Impact of Climate Change on the Work Environment and Livelihoods in Sierra Leone

This research, commissioned by the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), reviewed the impact of climate change on Sierra Leone’s work environment and livelihoods, with the aim of generating a position paper to inform SLLC’s strategic interventions. The study reviewed existing research on climate change, assessed the Government of Sierra Leone’s policy stance, and evaluated how worker welfare was considered in climate policy.

The research found clear evidence of global warming risks affecting Sierra Leone, including rising temperatures, more frequent droughts and floods, and disruption to climate-sensitive livelihoods such as farming, fishing, and small businesses. Climate change was found to create a disequilibrium in the labour market, reducing wages, causing job losses, and pushing workers toward environmentally harmful coping strategies.

The findings provided a foundation for SLLC to strategically engage with stakeholders on climate change policy, advocate for worker protections, and influence effective government responses that account for the welfare of Sierra Leone’s working population.