How is climate change affecting Freetown?
Freetown faces a range of serious climate risks—including deforestation, sea level rise, coastal erosion, flooding and landslides. Also, rural agriculture has been affected by climate change. Crop harvest failure is driving rural-urban migration which has led to a population explosion. This population growth has led to informal settlements established at an alarming rate. The growth of these informal settlements, accompanied by widespread deforestation for charcoal burning and for formal housing construction, leads to vulnerability.
What action are you taking to address climate change?
The campaign ‘Freetown the Treetown’ is a flagship climate adaptation and mitigation initiative. It aims to plant five million trees by 2030 to restore forests, reduce flood risk, improve air quality, and capture carbon. The initiative includes digital tools to monitor tree survival and create green jobs in local communities. Complementing this initiative is the city’s transition to clean energy. Freetown has built its first-ever wastewater treatment plant and introduced the use of technology to convert liquid waste into briquettes. Efforts are now underway to fully mechanize briquette production, making it a more affordable and sustainable alternative to charcoal, currently used by 82 per cent of Freetown residents as their primary cooking fuel.
What are the benefits? Why is it important?
Freetown the Treetown is a powerful example of locally-led climate action. It enhances urban resilience, provides economic opportunities, and mobilises residents—especially young people—to protect and restore nature. This initiative proves that even with limited resources, cities can lead the way in tackling the climate crisis. Clean cooking alternatives help reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal, curb deforestation and improve access to household energy.