A Survey of Climate Change Law in Sierra Leone: Gaps, Implementation Challenges, and Pathways for Reform
By – Jamil Sahid Fofanah
S.J.D. Candidate, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
ABSTRACT
This article presents the first comprehensive survey of climate change law in Sierra Leone, addressing a significant gap in the legal literature of this rapidly developing field. In the absence of a standalone Climate Change Act, the compendium adopts a four-prong practical approach to delimit the scope of Sierra Leone’s climate regime: first, by analyzing direct domestic legislation that explicitly addresses climate change, including the Environmental Protection Agency Act 2022 and the National Disaster Management Agency Act 2020; second, by examining indirect legislation that intersects with climate governance, such as the Customary Land Rights Act 2022 and the National Protected Area Authority Act 2012; third, by surveying national climate policies; and fourth, applicable international treaties. The analysis reveals that Sierra Leone’s climate jurisprudence is in transition. It is grappling with the “legally disruptive” nature of climate change while being propelled by global climate action that intersects with climate justice. The article underscores Sierra Leone’s paradoxical position: contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions (less than 0.01%) yet ranking among the most vulnerable nations and 155th in climate preparedness. The article concludes by recommending the enactment of a comprehensive Climate Change Act and the institutionalization of climate law education.