The Effects of Global Policy on Climate Change on Environmental Degradation in the Gambia

The Gambia, a country in West Africa, is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Low-lying coastal regions and deforestation make the country more susceptible to environmental degradation than other nations. The country's limited resources, weak institutional capacity, and heavy reliance on agriculture compound its challenges in addressing climate change. This research examined the effects of global climate change policies on environmental degradation in the Gambia from 2020 to 2023. It highlighted the difficulties of implementing international policy frameworks due to issues such as political will, coordination challenges, negative externalities, limited public awareness, institutional capacity constraints, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The study explored reforestation and waste management initiatives as potential strategies to combat deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. The study's objectives included analysing the effects of international policy frameworks on environmental degradation, evaluating national climate change policies, and monitoring changes in environmental degradation over time in response to global interventions. To collect data, qualitative research methods, such as focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, were employed. The data were analysed through content and thematic analyses. The study emphasised the importance of community and stakeholder engagement in climate change policy development and implementation. The findings of the research underscored the necessity for enhanced public education, the incorporation of indigenous knowledge into adaptation plans, and the development of local expertise for sustainable environmental management in The Gambia. Recommendations put forward included strengthening community involvement, enhancing governance structures, and leveraging local resources to promote more sustainable environmental practices in the country. By addressing these issues, the government needs to partner with all stakeholders from the community level, civil society organisations, and international bodies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance its resilience to environmental challenges.