The institutions invited are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Health, National Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and the Liberia Meteorological Service under the Ministry of Transport.
The decision follows a communication from Nimba County District Nine Representative Taa Z. Wongbe, who called for a coordinated government briefing on the country's readiness to address possible climate-related disruptions.
In his communication to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Wongbe raised concerns about irregular rainfall, flooding, rising temperatures and water shortages, as well as potential consequences for agriculture, infrastructure and rural livelihoods.
He said lawmakers need clear information on national preparedness, coordination among relevant institutions, available resources and public education efforts, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The invited agencies are expected to outline projected impacts, existing preparedness measures and early-warning systems intended to protect lives, agricultural production, infrastructure and livelihoods.
The EPA is also expected to present information on Liberia’s carbon footprint as part of the requested briefing.
The request comes as international climate agencies warn that a strong to very strong El Niño is developing and could influence global rainfall and temperature patterns into 2027. The World Meteorological Organization has cautioned, however, that the effects will vary by region and season.
Liberia’s own anticipatory-action guidance identifies possible extended rainfall into November, followed by increased temperatures, dry spells, heat stress and water shortages during the dry season.
Wongbe emphasized that government responsibility should extend beyond responding to disasters to anticipating foreseeable risks and taking preventive action.
The November 19 briefing is expected to give lawmakers an opportunity to assess whether the country's institutions have the coordination, resources and early-warning capacity needed to manage the potential effects.
