Projects to Lessen Effects of Climate Change to be undertaken

Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, has informed that Jamaica will undertake a number of projects aimed at building the country’s resilience to the effects of climate change.

Speaking at a post Durban climate change press briefing, held on February 16 at the Terra Nova Hotel, in Kingston, Mr. Pickersgill said proposals are being prepared under the Pilot Project for Climate Resilience for funding, in the order of US$10 million in grants and US$15 million in loans for climate related activities.

This, he said, is being undertaken with funding from the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB).

A small delegation from Jamaica attended the 17th Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa, from November 28-December 10, 2011.

Mr. Pickersgill  said that additionally, “Jamaica through its accredited national implementing entity, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), is preparing for submission to the Adaptation Fund Board, a proposal to access approximately US$10 million from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Adaptation Fund for Climate Change Adaptation.”

He also informed that a programme entitled ‘Enhancing the Resilience of the Agricultural Sector and Coastal Areas to Protect Livelihoods and Improve Food Security’, will support climate resilient coastal management and water management measures in the agricultural sector, focusing on the most vulnerable geographical areas in the western and southern parts of the country.                                                                                      

“With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry has also undertaken consultations to sensitise the public and solicit comments in the preparation for our involvement in international dialogue on climate change and follow-up activities,”  Mr. Pickersgill said.

He also pointed out that over the next few months, the Ministry will undertake the establishment of a Department that will be dedicated wholly to addressing the issues of Climate Change.

“This Department will be adequately staffed and will be mandated to be the main focal point for implementing climate change related activities,” the Minister noted.

Mr. Pickersgill  said it was estimated that Jamaica suffered damage in excess of US$1.4 billion or about J$120 billion over the last eight years, following the passage of several storms and hurricanes, including hurricane Ivan in 2004, Hurricane Dean in 2007 and Tropical Storm Gustav in 2008.

In addition to the severe weather events, climate change could result in other negative impacts, such as sea level rise, with devastating implications for coastal developments and natural assets; longer dry spells and possible droughts that will negatively impact water resources and agricultural inputs; and severe damage to coral reefs, which are breeding grounds and habitat for fisheries, and on which many Jamaican fishermen and women depend for their livelihood.

For his part, UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Arun Kashyap, noted that climate change was a development issue, as the adverse impact of climate change affects the poorest and the disadvantaged population.

“It therefore does not span one sector or discipline. It calls for an integrated approach to development, to ensure that every citizen of Jamaica has access to potable water and proper sanitation services, sustainable energy services, health services, food security and durable shelter,” Dr. Kashyap said.      

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter