Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, says Jamaica continues to set a defence against the current and impending climate change-related threats.
“Jamaica has been building resilience to climate change through Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices. In terms of aspects related to the theme of ESG, Jamaica has generally tried to set a defence against the current and impending climate change-related threats,” stated Minister Samuda.
Minister Samuda made the comments while participating in a virtual High – Level Panel Discussion on ESG Legislation at the Island Finance Forum yesterday (April 19).
He went on to list some of the initiatives being implemented by the Government.
“We are looking to improve our planning frameworks and we will prepare a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in the coming years, accompanied by a financial strategy and investment plan. This is to be led by our Planning Institute of Jamaica as the agency leading national development. Also, a long-term strategy for climate change is being undertaken”.
Minister Samuda added that “long-term planning is key for setting the direction toward climate resilience and encouraging investment. Therefore, the Jamaican Government is in the process of developing its Long-Term Low Emission and Climate Resilience Strategy (LTS or Pathway 2050) to pave the way for carbon neutrality, all while creating a more resilient society in the face of climate change”.
The Minister also mentioned the CityAdapt EbA, which is a “project implemented to increase the capacity of governments and local communities to adapt to the effects of climate change by integrating Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) into urban planning”.
In referencing the legislative work being undertaken by the government to bolster Jamaica’s resilience, Minister Samuda advised the Panel “that the Parliament recently approved an updated Climate Change Policy Framework (CCPF), an Emission Policy Framework for Jamaica and a new ‘Watersheds Policy’ Green Paper, which were approved in March 2023”.
The Island Finance Forum brings together leading experts in sustainable finance and development and highlights the unique financial challenges being faced by global island communities and the solutions for sustainable economic recovery and inclusive growth.
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