Country’s Commitment To NDC Jumps

Jamaica’s commitment to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which  specifies climate actions, policies, and measures that governments commit to implementing in response to climate change, has increased by more than 60 per cent, when compared to the first one.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., during his 2021/22 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on May 4.

The initial NDC was completed in June last year and submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The updated commitment will target a primary reduction of emissions in the energy, forestry, and land-use sectors.

“Jamaica received support under the NDC Partnership Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP), to implement activities to complement the NDC enhancement,” the Minister said.

The 11 subprojects of the programme will be completed this year. They include long-term emissions and climate change resilient development strategy, an assessment expenditure for a climate change budget that is being pursued by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, and a research and technology development agenda.

“While there is much more to be done, we can be proud of Jamaica’s strong voice and leadership on the global stage to protect and advocate for all vulnerable Small Island Developing States, especially on the critical issue of climate financing,” Mr. Charles Jr. said.

He argued that to foster the building of climate change resilience and long-term sustainability, there needs to be special attention to economic recovery.

“In this regard, through the NDC Partnership Economic Advisory Programme, Jamaica will benefit from the expertise of an Embedded Technical Advisor to be placed at the Planning Institute of Jamaica,” he said.

This advisor will primarily support the Ministry’s efforts in analysing the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and assist in developing a comprehensive medium-term recovery plan and strategy. The advisor will also address findings from the Post-COVID-19 impact assessments.