- Fewer than four in 10 Sierra Leoneans (36%) have heard of climate change (Figure 1).
- Among those who are familiar with climate change: Nearly three-fourths (73%) say it is making life in Sierra Leone worse, up from 67% in 2022 (Figure 2).
- Reports that climate change is making life worse are especially prominent among farmers (87%), rural residents (82%), and adults with no formal schooling or primary education only (81%) (Figure 3).
- Almost half (45%) identify the government as bearing primary responsibility for limiting climate change, while 31% say their fellow citizens should take the lead (Figure 4).
- Among all Sierra Leoneans, large majorities express support for government to respond to climate change by pressuring rich countries for aid (91%), investing in climate-resilient infrastructure (88%), and making greater use of solar and wind energy (72%) (Figure 5).
- More than half (54%) support banning tree cutting for firewood or charcoal even if it raise the costs of energy, while significant minorities urge the government to promote the use of electric taxis and buses (48%) or require citizens to switch to cleaner cookstoves (40%).
Most Sierra Leoneans who are aware of climate change say it is making life worse, according to the latest Afrobarometer survey. Farmers, rural residents, and the least-educated citizens are especially hard hit.
Awareness of climate change is low: Fewer than four in 10 citizens report having heard of it. Citizens familiar with the concept are most likely to place responsibility for addressing climate change on the Sierra Leonean government, followed by ordinary citizens.
Sierra Leone is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. It faces rising temperatures, more frequent floods, coastal erosion, and food insecurity, all of which threaten livelihoods, especially for those dependent on rain-fed agriculture. While the government and partners are investing in adaptation measures such as mangrove
restoration, coastal protection, and early warning systems, survey findings highlight citizens’ calls for even stronger and sustained action.
Among all respondents, there is extensive support for a range of policies in response to changing weather patterns and environmental degradation, including pressuring rich countries for aid and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and renewable energy.