ActionAid Liberia Urges Media to Champion Climate Justice, Calls for People-Centered “Just Transition”
September 22, 2025
Monrovia: ActionAid Liberia has called on journalists to play a leading role in raising awareness and advocating for a fair and inclusive approach to climate change, emphasizing the importance of a “just transition” that puts communities at the center of national and global climate action.
Speaking at a media dialogue in Monrovia, Executive Director of ActionAid Liberia, Madam Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, stressed that the conversation was timely as Liberia prepares for representation at the upcoming COP30 climate negotiations in Brazil.
“This dialogue is very important because we want to use this space to provide understanding to our media,” Madam Johnson said. “You are our partners when it comes to making people understand but also advocating for how we can work in a fair and transparent manner when we talk about climate change.”
She explained that for ActionAid, a just transition means ensuring that communities, especially the poor and vulnerable, are not left behind in climate policy decisions.
“What it means to ActionAid is in looking at issues when it comes to climate change, how do we put people, communities, at the center of everything not just people in general, but the poor and vulnerable people,” Johnson emphasized.
The dialogue formed part of ActionAid’s Global Week of Action, bringing together journalists, civil society actors, and climate advocates to deepen understanding of climate justice.
Discussions highlighted the dangers of false climate solutions, including unchecked industrial agriculture, harmful fossil fuel dependence, and exploitative carbon offset schemes. Instead, ActionAid is pushing for agroecology and renewable energy as sustainable alternatives.
“For us, agroecology is our superpower,” a facilitator explained during the session. “It has been proven to work not just for farmers, but also for the environment and the climate. It boosts food systems, creates jobs, and strengthens resilience.”
Journalists in attendance welcomed the dialogue, pledging to use their platforms to raise awareness. One reporter noted:
“Even the story written from here alone serves as some level of ball rolling for awareness. Today, I’ve got the understanding of what just transition means, and I think it will also be trickled down.”
Others suggested increased collaboration between ActionAid and the media, including radio programs in local languages, community town hall meetings, and greater use of social media and youth networks.
ActionAid also called for stronger government engagement, particularly in areas of climate finance, tax justice, and debt relief, arguing that Liberia must prioritize people-centered solutions in national policies.
“When we are going to COP30, we want to ensure the participation of women and young people,” Madam Johnson added. “But they must go with a clear understanding of how to negotiate for climate financing that benefits Liberia.”
The session closed with commitments from both ActionAid and media representatives to strengthen partnerships in amplifying climate justice messages across Liberia, especially in rural communities where farmers and women face the heaviest climate burdens.
