Liberia: “Fighting Climate Change a Priority”

“Climate Change is a big challenge for all of us,"  the contestants said in a statement.

The eleven contestants of the 2022 edition of the Miss Earth Liberia have pledged to drive climate action in the country and set an example for other young people.

The contestants who are all vying for the single Miss Earth Liberia crown on June 18, have committed themselves to fight against climate change, which Liberia is vulnerable to -- presenting challenges to the country's socio-economic development.

“The contest might be over soon but we have learned a lot and hereby pledge our hearts and minds to drive action in your homes, classrooms,  and communities, in all of Liberia.  Climate Change is a big challenge for all of us. And the fact that we have learned a lot from the Environmental Protection Agency, it is now our responsibility to become agents of change so that ultimately, we can make Liberia better,” the contestants said in a statement. 

The release added for Liberia to become climate-resilient, the contestants have realized that they need to be committed and proactive as climate change and the loss of nature are intergenerational issues that require everyone's feet on the grounds.

According to the queens, young people stand to lose the most if they fail to act by ensuring that people collectively understand the urgency of the situation facing humanity. 

Liberia, according to the World Bank, is highly vulnerable to adverse effects of climate change as well as being highly vulnerable to environmental instability due to its extreme poverty and high dependence on ‘climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, and mining.   The Bank said that the country’s high reliance on climate-sensitive activities renders Liberia vulnerable to climate variability and change, expected to manifest in higher temperatures, more extreme weather events such as heavy rains, and rising sea levels. 

The Miss Earth Liberia is an annual environmentally beauty pageant that selects the Liberia representative for Miss Earth, one of the biggest international pageants in the world. 

A competition with a difference, Miss Earth Liberia’s mission is to train contestants to promote environmental awareness, conservation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Also, they trained about how climate change particularly affects informal settlements, and what adaptation options are feasible.

Meanwhile, the contestants added that climate change has increased levels of uncertainty about their future. As its impacts intensify over time, one thing has become certain: We have to protect the earth for future generations. They noted that climate change is here and its impacts are only going to get worse - unless everyone acts now to protect futures, which they pledge to do.

“So, we as Miss Earth Liberia contestants, pledge to make a difference in the world around us.  We will invest time and resources to make people understand climate change, and help create viable solutions, to restore the glory of our planet.

“We Pledge to leave no one behind in our personal commitment to seek solutions to combat Climate Change.” 

Meanwhile, ahead of the grand finale of Miss Earth Liberia’s 4th edition on June 18, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Congo Town, the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) and La Queen Entertainment, the pageant organizers, have unveiled a brand new sedan and many other prizes for winner, as well as the 1st and 2nd runners-up.

The Miss Earth Liberia pageant is sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) and organized by La Queen Entertainment.