Published in 2017, the latest State of the Jamaica Climate report “attempts to provide a concise overview of what is available and known about Jamaica’s climate”, and importantly make the case for the need to include climate considerations in decision making.
In a sentence, the summary of climate projections indicate rising temperatures, decreased rainfall, rising sea levels, and more intense hurricanes when they happen. The table below from the report provides details on the historical trend and projections.
What does this all mean? That everyone, everywhere is affected. There is an extensive section on impacts by the following categories:
- Development
- Education
- Gender
- Security
- Agriculture and Fisheries
- Livestock
- Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity
- Poverty
- Tourism
- Health
- Society
- Freshwater Resources
- Energy Supply and Distribution
- Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Impacts on Coastal Infrastructure and Settlements
See the graphics below from the report showing climate impacts at a glance.
The report contains Climate Vulnerability Profiles for specific geographic areas:
- Bluefields
- Negril
- Rio Minho
- Ocho Rios
- Black River
- Montego Bay
- Portmore
Everyone is encouraged to read the report. Be more aware of what climate change means and see how the report can help us all to become more resilient. Download the report here: The State of the Jamaican Climate
Since publication of this report, the community of Treasure Beach has taken steps to become climate resilient and adapt. Read more here: Treasure Beach is on the Climate-Smart Fast Track