Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered a powerful call to action at the United Nations General Assembly Climate Summit on Wednesday, warning that climate change is an urgent and daily threat to Jamaica and other small island developing states (SIDS).

Addressing world leaders, Holness emphasised the disproportionate impacts of climate change on nations like Jamaica, citing more intense hurricanes, prolonged droughts, flooding, and rising sea levels as stark realities affecting lives and livelihoods.

“For Jamaica and other small island nations, climate change is not some distant problem; it’s our everyday reality. We are living with stronger hurricanes, longer droughts, floods, and rising seas, and with most of our economy on the coast, we cannot afford to ignore it,” Holness said.

Holness outlined Jamaica’s enhanced climate strategy through its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, a key component of the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement.

“That is why we have set bold but practical goals in our updated climate plan: more renewable energy, cleaner water systems, electric vehicles, lower emissions in key industries, and protecting our forests, mangroves, and seagrass.

“This is not just a promise, it is Jamaica’s roadmap for a safer, more sustainable future. And I call on the international community to step up with real action, because the fight for climate resilience is one we all share,” he continued.

He reiterated Jamaica’s support for international climate efforts, particularly the upcoming COP30 summit.

“I wish to extend Jamaica’s support for the work of the COP Presidency of Brazil and the UNFCCC ahead of COP30.” 

Holness stressed that the climate crisis affects all nations, but especially SIDS and least developed countries (LDCs), who bear the brunt of the damage despite contributing least to global emissions.

“Climate change is an existential threat to both the livelihoods and environments of communities worldwide, but disproportionately so to SIDS and LDCs. Sobering reports and assessments globally of the current state of the climate have increased the necessity for enhanced adaptation and mitigation measures to confront the challenges and bolster resilience.” 

He detailed Jamaica’s climate vulnerabilities and the urgent need for adaptation.

“In Jamaica, the nation is contending with intensifying adverse effects of climate change. Droughts, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes have already impeded Jamaica’s development.” 

The prime minister outlined that 90 per cent of the state’s GDP is generated in close proximity to coastal regions; therefore, robust adaptation measures are not merely preferable, but are imperative.

Holness reviewed Jamaica’s NDC history and outlined the progression of its targets:

“Over the past decade, Jamaica has made steady progress in climate action, yet as we know, global climate ambition remains below what is required, and countries like ours must lead with both credibility and innovation… Our first NDC focused primarily on the energy sector, targeting up to a 10 per cent reduction in emissions.

“By 2020, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation and the 11th globally to submit an updated NDC, increasing our ambition with targets of 25.4 per cent unconditionally and 28 per cent conditionally by 2030. We have also broadened our scope to include forestry and land use change, further strengthening our climate leadership,” Holness added.

The Prime Minister announced the submission of NDC 3.0, Jamaica’s most ambitious climate commitment to date.

“I am proud to announce that Jamaica submitted its further updated NDC 3.0, which is both comprehensive and realistic, and further aligns our ambitions with action. Jamaica’s targets are anchored in existing policies and supported by political will.” 

Key highlights of NDC 3.0 include:

• Increasing renewable energy use and energy efficiency
• Electrifying 12 per cent of private and 16 per cent of public vehicle fleets by 2030
• Cutting emissions in the cement industry by 40 kilotons of CO₂
• Achieving zero net loss of forests
• Expanding mangrove and seagrass restoration
• Reducing national emissions by 26 per cent to 41.7 per cent by 2035, depending on international support

To support this, Jamaica is developing a comprehensive roadmap:

“Jamaica is producing an implementation plan for NDC 3.0 that will provide a clear roadmap with sector-specific targets, stakeholder responsibilities, and costing to guide investment and partnership.

“This is not just a pledge. It is a practical, economy-wide strategy for a low-emission, climate-resilient future,” Holness said.

In closing, he reaffirmed Jamaica’s dedication to the global climate agenda: “Jamaica reaffirms its commitment as a party to the UNFCCC on climate change and the Paris Agreement. Jamaica remains dedicated to delivering on NDCs with increased ambitions for emissions reduction in mind, while also pursuing just transition, green growth, and a climate-resilient future for all.”