Climate Change Policy Framework 2021.

The Climate Change Policy Framework is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The goals of this Policy Framework are: (I) strengthening of Jamaica’s adaptive capacity and resilience to reduce its vulnerability to climate change, (II) ensuring low carbon development and enhanced access to and mobilization of climate finance, and (III) promoting public education and awareness raising, research and technology transfer towards ambitious climate action.
The governance framework for climate action will be improved and Jamaica’s participation in regional and international climate change processes, particularly the UNFCCC- and Paris Agreement-related activities will be increased. Multi-stakeholder coordination, networking, information exchange and expertise in climate action across MDAs, private sector and civil society will be strengthened. Mechanisms and tools will be developed for the inclusion of climate change considerations into policies, plans and programmes. The resilience of Jamaica to the negative impacts of climate change will be increased by mainstreaming climate change into ecosystem protection, spatial planning and budget processes; conducting vulnerability assessments for key sectors and a national assessment of vulnerable areas and natural resources at risk; improving the management of marine and terrestrial protected areas; integrating the protection of species and ecosystems in adapting to climate change into environmental policies; strengthening early warning systems and emergency preparedness; and building capacities at the national and local levels to coordinate and enhance mainstreaming and implementation of climate action. Low carbon development will be ensured by reducing overall GHG emissions. To this end, a national Measuring, Reporting and Verification system will be established for the effective implementation of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution and other transparency-related activities. Furthermore, a National Climate Change Financing Strategy will be developed to facilitate access to and mobilization of climate financing for adaptation and mitigation. Public awareness will be raised on climate change impacts, climate actions and responses at the national and local levels and behavioural change will be promoted. Methodologies will be established to allow for access to and sharing of information and data on climate action to facilitate the effective engagement of the public in decision-making processes. Research, innovation, data collection and analysis on climate change, its impacts, and appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures will be promoted. The transfer of environmentally sound technologies will be promoted for mitigation of and adaptation to climate change with other countries and international organizations and among the public sector, private sector entities, financial institutions, non-governmental organizations and research/education institutions.