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The world has relied on fossil fuel energy for a long time, producing many adverse effects. Long-term fossil fuel dependency has increased carbon emissions and accelerated climate change. In addition, fossil fuels are also depleting and will soon be very costly. Moreover, the expensive national electricity grid has yet to reach rural areas and will be cut off in inundation areas. As such, alternative and carbon-free hydrogen fuel cell energy is highly recommended as it solves these problems. The reviews find that (i) compared to renewable energy such as solar, biomass, and hydropower, a fuel cell does not require expensive transmission through an energy grid and is carbon-free, and hence, it is a faster agent to decelerate climate change; (ii) fuel cell technologies have reached an optimum level due to the high-efficiency production of energy, and they are environmentally friendly; (iii) the absence of a policy on hydrogen fuel cells will hinder investment from private companies as they are not adequately regulated. It is thus recommended that countries embarking on hydrogen fuel cell development have a specific policy in place to allow the government to fund and regulate hydrogen fuel cells in the energy generation mix. This is essential as it provides the basis for alternative energy governance, development, and management of a country.

Countries globally have enjoyed unprecedented economic growth in the present times, even though this economic growth has its consequence on the environment and public health. This development has seen the unrestricted cutting down of forests, waste generation, extinction of species, etc. Addressing these predicaments, the United Nations, at the global level, has urged States to develop and enforce environmental legislation, policies, and strategies. As a member of the United Nations, Sierra Leone has promulgated several environmental legislations and policies to address and regulate environmental matters. Besides developing these laws, Sierra Leone has historically witnessed massive environmental degradation, ranging from illegal and reckless cutting down of forests, waste generation, illegal dumping, and more. To this, add the extreme lack of awareness and education. Based on library research, this paper discusses the relevant environmental laws in Sierra Leone and other specific international laws and argues that despite the ongoing environmental degradation in Sierra Leone with the inadequacies in the legal framework, Environmental awareness and Public Participation will play a significant role in mitigating environmental degradation in Sierra Leone.