By Stephen G. Fellajuah
In a significant step toward advancing climate education in Liberia, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed a partnership with Cambridge University to offer climate-related scholarships to 150 Liberians.
EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, announced the initiative during a certification ceremony held Thursday at the EPA headquarters in Mamba, Monrovia. The event marked the conclusion of a two-day environmental journalism training workshop.
Dr. Yarkpawolo revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Cambridge University, securing more than £250,000 in scholarship funding for an online course on climate and environmental issues, scheduled to begin in September 2025. The course will run for two weeks.
“This course will cover climate issues, including environmental law,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. “We are also exploring the possibility of a long-term partnership with Cambridge, potentially including Master’s degree opportunities.”
The announcement came on the heels of a two-day Environmental Reporting Workshop, held from June 26–27 at St. Theresa’s Convent in Central Monrovia. The training brought together journalists and EPA staff to build capacity in environmental storytelling and media advocacy.
Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized the critical role of public awareness in addressing Liberia’s environmental challenges, such as unregulated construction on wetlands.
“Most of the environmental issues we face are due to lack of information,” he said. “Journalists are public trustees, and we count on them to help inform and educate our communities.”
During the workshop, participants explored key principles of environmental journalism, including how to identify compelling stories, uphold ethical standards, and engage audiences in climate accountability.
A highlight of the training was a session on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, demonstrating how AI tools can support data collection, analysis, and impactful storytelling.
Another key focus was solutions journalism, an approach that not only highlights environmental challenges but also the innovative responses being implemented.
“This training strengthened our skills in strategic communication, environmental storytelling, and advocacy,” said several participating journalists. “We’re grateful to the EPA and Dr. Yarkpawolo for this valuable opportunity.”
Beyond education and media engagement, the EPA is expanding its climate resilience efforts. With support from Environmental and Climate Change Canada through NovaSphere, the agency is partnering with city corporations to construct waste management sites in Monrovia and other counties. This initiative aims to enhance sanitation and reduce the environmental impact of unmanaged urban waste.
In closing, Dr. Yarkpawolo reiterated the EPA’s commitment to inclusive environmental governance.
“Empowering the media and young professionals with knowledge is essential to creating the informed citizenry we need to protect Liberia’s environment,” he said.
