United States And Jamaica To Collaborate On Climate Change Issues

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States of America that will result in greater co-operation between both countries on matters related to climate change and environmental best practices.

Under the accord, the Ministries of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change and Science, Technology, Energy and Mining will collaborate with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to develop and promote environmental best practices.

The program of assistance will include a framework for the development of a Climate Change Policy, on which the government is working. A Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) and a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will also be developed under the agreement.

Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill, who signed the MOU, said that work has already started on the climate change policy and that the Low Emission Development Strategy and the National Adaptation Plan would be developed quickly.

“Under the Agreed Work Program, the US government has pledged technical and manpower assistance to the Climate Change Advisory Committee on the establishment of Climate Change focal points; a technical expert to conduct analyses and provide guidance towards a Climate Finance Policy; knowledge sharing to facilitate GOJ participation in International fora on climate change and sustainable development; and advice on trilateral co-operation with other countries  in Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS), Pickersgill said.

Washington will also assist in identifying possibilities for joint collaboration and co-ordination in enhancing capacity for LEDS.

Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell, who also signed the agreement, said that in addition to facilitating opportunities for Jamaica’s development toward effective climate change and environmental protection, the MoU will facilitate greater collaboration between various agencies and the Ministries.

He said the agreement provides practical applications which will benefit the country.

“There are so many practical things that we’re going to be doing. We’re going to get technical support, but we’re going to get on-the-ground support out of this arrangement and it’s going to be for a number of years to come,” he added.

US Ambassador to Jamaica, Pamela Bridgewater, said Washington was very pleased to establish a partnership agreement with Jamaica and be part of a movement where globally, countries are taking practical approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“The US government applauds this spirit of co-operation and hopes the initiative will help Jamaica achieve its sustainable economic growth and development objectives, becoming a more climate resilient and food secure nation in the process,” she said.

Mission Director of the USAID, Denise Herbol, said the project is a flagship program under US President Barack Obama’s Global Climate Change Initiative. The Initiative is tailored to each country’s needs and has so far partnered with 21 countries, including Jamaica.

“The program will build on existing climate change related plans and strategies in Jamaica. The MoU signing brings us one step closer to gaining increased access to clean energy, while accelerating development and economic growth,” she added.