Sierra Leone charcoal burning causes deforestation
Charcoal production is destroying economic trees and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions in Sierra Leone.
Charcoal burning is a common practice in Sierra Leone, particularly in Freetown, to meet cooking fuel demands where only 36% of the population has electricity and 15% have clean cooking access. This process involves cutting down trees, including valuable fruit trees like orange and mango, leading to deforestation and habitat loss. The burning itself releases greenhouse gases harmful to human health and the environment.
Paul Lamin, Director of Natural Resource Governance at the Environmental Protection Agency, acknowledged the environmental hazards, noting that the slow regrowth of trees exacerbates deforestation and reduces the land's capacity to absorb carbon. He also stated that charcoal burners are increasingly cutting down economic trees, threatening food security and exposing the land to climate change effects.
The Food and Agricultural Organization estimates that traditional wood energy, including charcoal, emits 2.4 GT of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with Sub-Saharan Africa contributing one-third of these emissions. Continued unsustainable charcoal production and use are expected to worsen climate change, potentially reducing future wood-energy supplies.
Why it mattersDeforestation and greenhouse gas emissions from charcoal burning threaten Sierra Leone's environment and food security.