Jamaica To Participate In Climate Change Conference In Scotland

Jamaica is set to participate in the upcoming 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 31 to November 12, 2021.

The country’s delegation to this meeting will be led by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.

Mr. Holness has been invited by United Kingdom Prime Minister,

Boris Johnson, to participate in a World Leaders Summit that will be held during the high-level segment of COP 26, November 1 to 2, 2021.

This was disclosed by Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., during a statement to the House of Representatives on October 27.

“During the summit, leaders are expected to deliver statements reflecting concrete actions, as well as their individual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-reduction commitments,” Mr. Charles Jr. said.

He pointed out that the UK Prime Minister at a recent youth climate summit summarised the main goals of COP26 as ‘coal, cash, cars and trees’.

“In this regard, he stressed the need for the global community to transition from the use of coal to generate electricity, realise the annual climate finance goal, advance electric mobility as well as the planting of trees to act as sinks for GHGs, and to assist
countries in adapting to climate change,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Charles Jr. said Jamaica has undertaken some key activities/initiatives to address climate change.

This, he said, includes submission of Jamaica’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in June 2020. The updated NDCs include the energy sector (supply and end use), and land-use change and forestry.

“We have commenced the preparation of the 2050 Long-term Emissions Reduction and Climate Resilient Strategy for Jamaica under the Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP), with the support of the NDC Partnership
and the World Bank Group,” he noted.

In addition, the NDC Implementation Plan was launched in October 2021. The Plan will assist the country in meeting its 2030 and 2050 emission reduction targets. Also, the country has commenced the preparation of the country’s first Adaptation
Communication to the UNFCCC.