The Intersection of Religion, Climate Change, and Resilience in Liberia

This study explores the intersection of religion, climate change, and community resilience in Liberia, a nation facing severe environmental challenges. Climate change exacerbates issues like erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels, threatening the livelihoods of communities heavily reliant on agriculture. Within this context, religious institutions, particularly the United Methodist Church and other faith-based organizations, play a crucial role in fostering resilience and adaptation. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the study examines how religious beliefs influence community responses to climate challenges. Findings highlight that many Liberians view environmental stewardship as a divine responsibility, with religious teachings promoting sustainable practices and mobilizing community actions such as tree planting and water conservation. While these efforts have positive impacts, challenges such as limited resources, varying interpretations of doctrine, and insufficient collaboration with secular organizations persist. The study emphasizes the need to integrate faith-based perspectives into national climate strategies and foster partnerships that enhance the capacity of religious institutions to contribute to climate resilience. By framing religion as a critical component of climate adaptation, this research underscores the importance of inclusive approaches that reflect local values. It calls for further exploration of faith-based initiatives’ long-term impacts and interfaith collaboration to address climate challenges effectively.