PIOJ—Sustainable Development & Regional Planning Division
Beginnings Volume 6 Issue 18 December 2013
How Much Do You Know About Climate Change?
In
This Issue...
Major Findings of the Knowledge, Attitude and Behavioural Practice Survey
How Much Do You Know About Climate Change?
1
Climate Change and the Law
7
Off the Bookshelf
9
Take the Climate Change Challenge
12
The Making of the Video— 13 Climate Change and Its Impact on Jamaican Farmers— Pictorial
Beginnings
In May 2009, Jamaica accepted the offer extended by the Sub-Committee of the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) to participate in as one of the six countries in the Caribbean regional pilot programme. One of the main thematic areas of focus of the PPCR is that of climate change education and awareness. The objective of the 2012 study was to update the current information base on the knowledge, attitudes and behavioural practices (KAP) regarding climate change among Jamaicans. A KAP study done in 2005 was used as a basis for comparison to detect any changes that may have occurred over the years. It has been argued that human activity is the main cause of climate change. Any alteration of this kind of behaviour necessitates insight into what people know, believe and do. For this reason, a KAP study is useful to evaluate and measure the knowledge,
attitudes and practices of people. In recent times, KAP studies on matters relating to climate change have been increasing. In the United States of America, for example, the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, have been conducting a series of studies on Americans’ beliefs and attitudes about global warming. One of these studies, is the International Public Opinion on Climate Change Study, a survey done in collaboration with the Gallup World Poll. This annual global survey asks questions on climate change with a sample of 150+ countries worldwide. In the Caribbean, climate change KAP (Continued on page 4)
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Vol.6 Issue 18
From The Editor
of the various reports without whom the publications would not have been possible. Jamaica is one of six countries participating in the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), the first programme established by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF). The PPCR aims to pilot and demonstrate ways in which climate risk and resilience may be integrated into core development policies, planning and implementation. The other five countries under the programme are Grenada, St. Vincent, Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Haiti. Jamaica’s programme is being supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)and the World Bank. In preparing to realize the benefits from the PPCR, Jamaica in 2010, applied for a grant of US$507 000 to prepare a Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience (SPCR). In addition, Phase 1 of the PPCR would seek to undertake a number of important studies, build local and institutional capacity for planning and forecasting; and build climate change education and awareness. In November 2011, the SPCR was endorsed by the CIF to the tune of US$25 million; US$15 million in grant and US$10 million in concessionary loan at an interest rate of 0.25%.
Among the achievements emanating from Phase I of the PPCR is the preparation of six reports focusing on issues such as Attitudes and Behavioural Practices towards climate change, the infusion of climate change considerations into current policies and legislation and predictive modelling of the state of Jamaica’s climate. The reports present a body of knowledge to aid the planning and decision-making process and are important inputs in facilitating the achievement of the country’s sustainable development goals under Vision 2030 Jamaica-National Development Plan and the Millennium Development Goals. This special issue of Beginnings will feature excerpts from these reports and also give the reader a glimpse into the making of a video to highlight the impact of climate change on Jamaican farmers in Clarendon. Be sure to check out the video at the link provided and give us your feedback. Other highlights of this issue include our regular features Off The Bookshelf, which showcases more of the reports, and an exciting quiz to assess how much you know about climate change. Special thanks to the IADB and the World Bank and the authors
As we enter into a new year, I leave you with an excerpt from a New Year’s letter I received from a wise friend of mine— “Get involved. Jamaica has the potential to be the greatest nation in the world but we must all be willing to give through our work, voluntarily where the needs exist... Let us all get involved in building it up. Rejoice in all our accomplishments. There are many. Let us this New Year commit to taking our destiny and that of our country in our hands, encouraging others to do so and with the help and will of The Almighty, show ourselves and everyone else that this World, our world can and will be a better Place.” Mrs. Jacqueline DaCosta Chairman, Land Information Council of Jamaica
Have a safe and productive new year.
Thank You.
Nadine Brown Editor/Desktop Publisher
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!!
Beginnings
links about issues important to YOU!
Editorial Team Toni-Shae Freckleton Kim Hoo Fatt
The Beginnings team would like to get your valuable feedback and response in order to provide relevant information and
Send us your input on sustainable development related websites, events, projects, articles, workshops etc. and we will gladly include them in our publication. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and colleagues who may find the information useful. Past issues of Beginnings are posted on the official website of the PIOJ at: http://www.pioj.gov.jm
Beginnings is a biannual newsletter of the Sustainable Development & Regional Planning Division, Planning Institute of Jamaica. The opinions expressed by our contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Beginnings. Please send comments to: The Editor, Beginnings, 16 Oxford Road, Kingston 5. Tel: (876) 935-5058 Fax (876) 906-4465 Email: nbrown@pioj.gov.jm
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How Much Do You Know About Climate Change? Cont...
(Continued from page 2)
studies have blossomed, perhaps beginning with six studies initiated by the Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Project, between 2005 and 2006 in five countries: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These were national surveys of the general public. About 1 700 respondents participated in the Jamaican 2005 KAP study which included not only members of the general population but also representatives of the public and private sector as well as international lending agencies. The 2012 KAP study consisted of three surveys to ascertain levels of knowledge, attitude and practices among Jamaicans in general and particular sectors. The data collection for the study occurred between July 7 and 18, 2012.
indicated that they had heard the term, while over 70% provided an explanation which had the theme change/ variation in climate globally, temperature and weather patterns. More specifically, 70.6% of the sector sample, gave an explanation with this theme, while 73.5% of online respondents gave an explanation reflecting the idea of differences in weather patterns. Frequency distribution of responses to the question “Have you ever heard the term climate change?” Household Responses
Online Responses
Methodology - 2012 KAP A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods was employed in this study. A national survey of Jamaican households collected data from 1 484 respondents. The online version of this survey had 503 persons completing the survey. The sector survey targeted six sectors Agriculture, Construction (Built Environment and Human Settlements, Energy, Health, Tourism and Water. A total of 276 organizations completed the interviews. The qualitative component utilised a total of ten different focus group discussions with different targeted audiences patterning the structure of the quantitative investigation. Six separate sectoral focus group discussions were held and four separate community sessions were also completed with Portmore residents, farmers from Spring Village, young persons in Port Maria and retired persons.
Results The surveys indicated fairly high levels of knowledge about climate change with the various samples (household, sector, online). This high level of awareness was also confirmed in the qualitative investigations. Comparatively, the online and sector samples seemed to have been comprised of more highly educated persons and so it is not surprising that their knowledge levels of climate change were above 90%. Some 94.2% of online respondents and 97.4% of sector respondents
Many respondents from the household (78.4%) and online (73%) surveys indicated that they did not think the government was doing anything about climate change. This finding was echoed in both the qualitative community-based and sectoral discussions. While this lack of awareness of what the government is doing might point to a general lack of interest in climate change matters, it is interesting to note that 49.5% of the household sample and 44.8% of the online sample were very concerned about climate change. Compared with the 2005 KAP study, the 2012 study indicates that the level of concern has reduced over the years. In 2005, it was reported that 62.6% of respondents then reported that they were very concerned about climate change. In 2012, only 49.5% of the household sample and 45% of the online sample reported being very concerned about climate change. The challenge for any public education or campaign strategy will be to translate this apparent reduced level of concern into an increased interest in matters such as knowing about one’s community’s level of risk associated with climate change. Even though persons reported varying levels of individual preparedness, for some there seemed to be a general feeling
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Will Breadfruit Solve the About World Climate Hunger Change? Crisis? Cont... How Much Do You Know
Household Responses
Online Responses
that it was the government which should be mainly responsible for climate change. Even in cases where persons indicated that all entities (government, business/industry, community organizations, private citizens, industrialised countries, and so on) should be responsible, there was still a feeling that the government should bear the greatest responsibility; 37% of household respondents and 25.2% of online respondents felt that the government should be mainly responsible for climate change while 85.2% of sector respondents felt that the government should assist their sector in adapting to or mitigating the effects of climate change. Household Responses
This
Online Responses
perception was echoed in the focus group discussions. However, in these discussions –especially those at the community level –people did indeed identify actions for which they could take personal responsibility without relying on government. Future campaign efforts must address this issue by convincing members of the society that they have a role to play in addressing climate change issues. Individuals as well as various organizations will need assistance in determining the roles that they can play in responding to climate change. Media Usage In the 2005 KAP, 48.3% reported occasional exposure to climate change topics in the media. In the current study, there was a slight decrease to this figure. Most household and online respondents stated that they occasionally (33.5% household; 43.7% online) read, listened to or watched stories about the climate. While this figure may be low, many (84.9% household; 76.0% online) were willing to read, watch and listen to climate change related stories. This willingness to pay attention to content regarding climate change augurs well for any future campaigns about climate change issues. In terms of current sources of information on climate change, the most common sources cited in 2005 was television (96.5%), followed by radio (81.5%), newspaper (65.4%) and then internet (21.6%). In 2012, the current sources remained the same for household respondents: television (80.1%), radio (57.7%), newspaper (37.3%) and internet (22.5%). However, for online respondents, the ranking was slightly different, with television first (70.8%) followed by internet (66.2%) then newspapers (48.7%) and radio (43.5%). Sector respondents also showed a preference for the internet (66.7%) as their source of information on climate change, followed by newspapers (55.1%), television (53.6%) and radio (50.7%). In 2005, sector respondents’ current source of information mirrored the household respondents’ preference of 2012 with television, radio, newspaper and internet being the four commonly cited sources. Radio and television were considered to be the most effective channels for delivering climate change messages in 2005. As in 2005, in 2012, respondents had a similar response when asked to state the three most effective channels. For household respondents, the three (Continued on page 6)
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Vol.6 Issue 18
How Much Do You Know ..cnt’d
(Continued from page 5)
chosen were television, radio and newspapers; for online
respondents, television, radio and internet were chosen. Sector respondents also chose television, radio and internet as the three most effective channels for communicating climate change. While the survey results point to the use of mostly traditional media (radio, television, newspaper) and some relatively new media such as the internet, focus group discussants were more likely to make suggestions about how these media should be used. For example, some focus group participants suggested the use of prime time slots as well as the use of popular personalities. Other suggestions from focus groups included the use of interpersonal communication strategies which involved community meetings and other forms of alternative media such as drama, road marches, and other special events. The use of social media was also an important suggestion made regarding the types of media to use for delivering messages about climate change. The mix of media and communication strategies to be employed for future campaigns will require serious consideration as there are many actions that must be promoted to address all the issues surrounding climate change.
of the population to implement. Respondents pointed out various media channels that could be used in promoting such positive behaviours. Suggestions have been made regarding the various approaches that could be used. Based on the findings of this study, it is safe to conclude that Jamaicans expect to see more campaigns targeting climate change issues in the future. This study, no doubt, will serve as a baseline to assist in evaluating the success of prospective efforts addressing climate change matters. For access to the entire survey please visit the PIOJ’s website or http://www.pioj.gov.jm/ResearchandData/ SustainableDevelopmentResearchPapers/tabid/134/ Default.aspx
Conclusion Overall, this study supported the need for an increase in public education and awareness activities as respondents from the various samples made suggestions about amplifying activities carefully designed to make Jamaicans more aware of the issues surrounding climate change. It also indicated that improvements in awareness have been made since 2005. Future communication-based interventions will have to move beyond merely sharing information and spreading awareness, and to now focus on promoting specific behavioural practices that are feasible for most
Arctic Fox loves icecaps - Seasons's Greetings Used with Permission from Š Seppo Leinonen, www.seppo.net
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Will Breadfruit Solve the World Hunger Crisis? Cont...
CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE LAW
Introduction One of the strategic components of the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is mainstreaming climate change adaptation in local, sectoral and national plans, and implementing integrated adaptation strategies in river basin planning and management. In this regard, a report, Review of Policy, Plans, Legislation & Regulations for Climate Resilience in Jamaica was prepared under Phase 1 of the programme. The report seeks to identify the extent to which the current policy framework addresses climate related issues, points out gaps and identifies some of the emerging policy issues. The following is an excerpt outlining some of the matters discussed in the document. The UNFCC There is increasing evidence of human interference in the climate change system which has led to global warming. With the concern over global environmental issues, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution 43/53 on the protection of the global climate for present and future generations. The UNGA in a subsequent resolution provided the basis for the negotiations for a framework convention on climate change. Final negotiations with regards to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) occurred at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the UNFCCC becoming open for signature on 4th June 1992. Jamaica signed on to the UNFCCC on September 6, 1996. As a party to the UNFCCC, Jamaica is subject to a number of commitments, which places obligations on Jamaica to respond to climate change. Jamaica has taken several initiatives to mainstream climate change into its national developmental processes and mechanisms, chief among these is the Vision 2030 Jamaica-National Development Plan which has climate change incorporated as one of the 15 national outcomes. Jamaica has prepared and submitted to the UNFCCC two
national communications, and has prepared a national inventory of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all GHG not controlled by the Montreal Protocol. Jamaica has participated in regional climate change projects such as the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) 1997-2001; Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean (ACCC) 2001-2004; and Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) 2004-2009. These projects have helped to improve the level of understanding of the region’s vulnerabilities to climate change, to build capacity to address climate change at the national level, engage in adaptation, support mainstreaming of adaptation into policy processes, and begin implementation of adaptation measures. Jamaica is currently participating in the Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction project; the objective of which is to assist Jamaica with its adaptation to climate change and to contribute to sustainable development. Assessments of Jamaica’s vulnerability to climate change reveal that vulnerable sectors include inter alia: Agriculture; Coastal Zone; Critical Infrastructure; Energy; Fisheries; Health; Tourism; and Land Use. In the document entitled Review of Policy, Plans, Legislation and Regulations for Climate Resilience in Jamaica legislation and regulations, policies and plans for these areas/sectors were reviewed and where applicable, a comparison made between these and recommendations made in the Second National (Continued on page 10)
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SD Events and More Sustainable Development Events Adaptation Futures 2014: Third International Climate Change Adaptation Conference May 12 - 16, 2014 Fortaleza, Brazil World Environment Day 2014 June 5, 2014 Climate Investment Funds Partnership Forum 2014 June 23 - 24, 2014 Montego Bay, Jamaica Second Preparatory Meeting for 3rd International Conference on SIDS June 23 - 27, 2014 New York, USA 2014 ESRI International User Conference July 14 - 18, 2014 San Diego, USA The 4th Session of the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management August 6 - 8, 2014 New York, USA
Reading List Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change in Latin America and the Caribbean (Directions in Development) by Jakob Kronik, Dorte Verner Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainability in the Americas: Impacts and Adaptations Francisco Dallmeier (Editor), Adam Fenech (Editor), Don MacIver (Editor), Robert Szaro (Editor) Climate Change, Disaster Risk, and the Urban Poor: Cities Building Resilience for a Changing World (Urban Development) Judy L. Baker (Editor) Reducing Poverty, Protecting Livelihoods, and Building Assets in a Changing Climate: Social Implications of Climate Change by Dorte Verner
Climate Change Deniers Credit Card Used with Permission from Š Seppo Leinonen, www.seppo.net
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Off the Bookshelf
Overview Building adaptive capacity is the aim of The Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), which is part of the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF), a multi-donor Trust Fund within the Climate Investment Funds (CIF). The overall objective of the programme is to provide incentives for scaled-up action and transformational change in integrating consideration of climate resilience in national development planning consistent with poverty reduction and sustainable development goals. Jamaica is one of six countries in the Caribbean regional pilot programme. The other five countries are Grenada, St. Vincent, Saint. Lucia, Dominica, and Haiti. The pilot programmes and projects to be implemented under the PPCR in Jamaica are to be led by the Planning Institute of Jamaica. The following publications are outputs of the project and can be downloaded from the PIOJ’s website at www.pioj.gov.jm Jamaica Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience (SPCR) The Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience (SPCR) under the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is an initiative which will assist in climateproofing Jamaica’s development. The SPCR is aligned to Vision 2030 Jamaica, and also builds on gaps and challenges identified in Jamaica’s Second National Communication (SNC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report provides details on the programme which was developed with input from stakeholders at the national and local levels, and reflects some of the priority areas identified from consultations. The areas of focus are: Water Resources; Human Health; Agriculture and Food Security; Tourism; Terrestrial Resource and Biodiversity; Coastal Resources and Human Settlements; and Financial Resources. Jamaica’s PPCR involves two phases. Phase I, involves the development of the SPCR in collaboration with key stakeholders from national and community (local) levels. Phase II will be the implementation of the activities identified in the SPCR. The SPCR will be complemented by ongoing and planned initiatives. It will also form the basis on which funding is sought for the country’s climate change agenda as the strategies and activities contained therein are considered critical. Also, the framework established will eliminate possible duplication of projects and identify and build on synergies. Jamaica Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience (SPCR) Prepared for the Pilot Program of Pilot Resilience (PPCR) October, 2011
Communication for Climate Resilience (2012 to 2017). This five-year National Communication Strategy and Action Plan was developed based on a thorough needs assessment and situational review of the current climate realities that will be affecting key sectors to be addressed under Jamaica’s Strategic Program for Climate Resilience (SPCR) as well as through extensive participatory consultation with several stakeholders. In order to avoid duplication and to maximize the use of available resources, it builds as much as possible on existing climate change communication experiences and seeks to engage a wide range of critical partners who are already involved in communicating climate resilience. Key messages are identified to support the SPCR activities and its adaptation strategies in particular, but also to address the known gaps in “Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices” (KAPs) for each specific sector. The strategy provides a national communication framework for climate resilience that includes not only what can be accomplished under the SPCR itself, but what can also be accomplished through additional partnerships, collaboration and identification of resources elsewhere. Communication for Climate Resilience (2012-2017): A National Communication Strategy and Action Plan Prepared for the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), 2012 Prepared by: Dr. Maria Protz, Ph.D for the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) State of the Jamaican Climate: Information for Resilience Building The State of the Jamaican Climate: Information for Resilience Building report is intended to be an initial reference point for a description of Jamaica’s climate, its variability and trends and future projections. It is to be used by key sectors and persons who wish to engage in climate change adaptation work with respect to Jamaica and who need to determine the climate state being adapted to. It is also intended to be an initial reference point for persons seeking out other sources of information which document how key sectors for Jamaica may be influenced by climate change. Climate Studies Group, Mona (CSGM), 2012: State of the Jamaican Climate 2012: Information for Resilience Building (Full Report). Produced for the Planning institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Kingston Jamaica. Authors: A. Anthony Chen, Michael A. Taylor, Tannecia S. Stephenson, Pietra Brown, Jayaka D. Campbell, Kimberly A. Stephenson, Rochelle N. Walters, Natalie M. McLean.
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Climate Change and the Law...cont’d
(Continued from page 7)
Communication to the UNFCCC . Plans, policies, legislation and regulations which incorporate climate change and that needs to be finalized/implemented are: Jamaica National Climate Change Policy and Action Plan Agricultural Land Use Policy
changing climate take place in civil society. Many promising climate change responses, especially in relation to mitigation, will involve the private sector, such as energy efficiency gains in industry, retrofitting buildings to conserve energy, and renewable energy providers. Governments can assist the private sector in taking up these activities through various incentives, through green procurement, and through publicprivate partnerships.
Draft Food Nutrition Security Policy Draft Fisheries Bill Draft Carbon Emissions Trading Policy Disaster Management Act 2009 (Draft), and National Renewable Energy Policy 2009–2030, Creating a Sustainable Future (Draft).
Climate change has to be mainstreamed in existing legislation, for example, the NRCA Act and consideration should be given to domesticating UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.
Priority Areas There are a number of key areas that require priority attention in the short or medium-term. These may be broken down into institutional, policy, plans and legislative measures. Institutional Institutional areas included the creation of a Climate Change Unit to facilitate the coordination of all climate change activities across all aspects of government. Areas to be strengthened are National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Water Resources Authority (WRA), Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Meteorological Service Jamaica.
One key area where private sector involvement is essential is in amendments to national codes and standards, such as the engineering standards, building codes, or hurricane proofing standards. Often the best method is for the Government to set a specific target and request that the private sector to find the best ways of achieving that target. At the community level, NGOs have proven to be effective intermediaries between the government and the community. Governments should encourage active civil society involvement in all areas of climate change response. Local and international NGOs may be particularly helpful in documenting and codifying traditional and indigenous adaptation measures, which may hold the key to future adaptation measures. Policies Policies to be revised to include climate change considerations are: Water Policy Forest Policy Ocean and Coastal Zone Management Policy Mangrove and Coastal Zone Wetlands Protection Policy Towards a Beach Policy for Jamaica (A Policy for the use of the Foreshore and the Floor of the Sea) Coral Reef Protection and Preservation Policy
Public-Private linkages Climate change mitigation and adaptation are not the sole preserve of governments, as most activities which impact the climate or, in turn, are impacted by a
Towards a Watershed Policy for Jamaica.
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Climate Change and the Law...cont’d
Plans A National Spatial Plan needs to be prepared. The Spatial Plan will rationalize the use of local land resources through the preparation of a National Physical Plan to i) Specify broad spatial planning objectives and guiding principles for national and regional development; ii) optimize the use of land and natural resources by providing a framework for making sustainable locational choices; and iii) improve governmental capacity to formulate, coordinate and implement integrated rural development policies and programmes in order to address spatially unbalanced development. Guidelines The current published setback guidelines need to be revised. Instead of being based on slope angles these should be related to local risk from present and future storm events, thus they should be site specific. Legislation At present, the current policy and legislative framework is not adequate to respond to the ongoing requirements of climate change. Some of the legislative measures required are: A new Watershed Protection Act A new Town and Country Planning Act Water Resources (Amendment) Act (Draft) to be finalized Finalization and promulgation of the Development Orders and Development Plans for Kingston and St. Andrew, Manchester, Santa Cruz and Negril A new Environmental Management Act that will update the existing NRCA Act and also reflect climate change considerations A new Disaster Management Act Finalization and implementation of the Fisheries Bill The finalization and enactment of a Meteorological Act The development and finalization of a Renewable Energy Act Establish legislation to include levying a prohibitive tax on the conversion and subdivision of prime lands to non-farm uses without approval Enact a National Building Act
Amend the Housing Act Amend the Urban Development Corporation Act Preparation of Agricultural Zoning Order/Districts Finalize the draft Natural Resources (Portland Bight Protected Area) Regulations Review and amend the Natural Resources (Air Quality) Regulations, 2006 Review and revise the Natural Resources (Montego Bay Marine Park) Order & the Natural Resources (Marine Parks) Regulations. Prioritization of Legislation In terms of priority the following legislation needs to be enacted during the 2012-2013 legislative agenda: 2012-2013 Water Resources (Amendment) Act Disaster Management Act Town and Country Planning Act Meterological Act National Building Act and promulgation of the Building Code Renewable Energy Act. 2013-2014 Natural Resources (Air Quality) Regulations Natural Resources (Portland Bight Protected Area Regulations) Agricultural Zoning Orders Finalization and promulgation of Development Orders for Kingston and St. Andrew, Manchester, Santa Cruz and Negril Environmental Management Act Amended Natural Resources (Prescribed Areas) (Prohibition of Enterprise, Construction and Development Order) Amended Natural Resources (Permits and Licences) Regulations.
Human and Financial Resources to Incorporate Climate Change Concerns A number of key agencies need to be strengthened to effectively incorporate climate change concerns. Among these agencies are: the Meteorological Service, WRA, NEPA, ODPEM, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Since climate change affects everyone, there should be capacity building of NGOs, and community groups. For access to the entire report please visit the PIOJ’s website (www.pioj.gov.jm) or http://www.pioj.gov.jm/Portals/0/ Sustainable_Development/Final%20Review%20of%20Policy,% 20Plans,%20Legislation%20&%20Regulations%20for%20Climate.pdf
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Take the Climate Change Challenge
(Source: State of the Jamaican Climate 2012: Information for Resilience :Summary for Policymakers)
Test your knowledge of climate change issues by completing this climate change quiz. 1. Global warming seen in the last century is primarily due to: a) Natural cycles of variation b) Volcanic eruptions d) All of the above e) None of the above.
c) Burning fossil fuels
2. Since the early 20th century the mean annual temperature of the earth has increased by about: a) 0.5 °C b) 0.8 °C
c) 1.5 °C d)2.0 °C
e) No increase
3. Globally, which of the following is true: a) Day time temperatures are increasing faster than night time temperatures b) Night time temperatures are increasing faster than day time temperatures c) They are increasing at the same rate d) Neither is increasing 4. Climate records suggest that Jamaica has also seen changes in climate a) No b) Yes c) I don’t know d) What… climate records exist for Jamaica? 5. To project future climate change we use: a) Our imagination b) Eeny, meeny, minie, moe c) Computer models d) A crystal ball e) All of the above 6. Which of the following are projected end-of-century changes in Jamaican climate? a)A drier summer b) Anywhere up to 1 metre sea level rise c) More intense hurricanes d) Temperature increase of 1-3 degrees e) All of the above 7. By how much is annual rainfall projected to decrease in Jamaica by the end of the century under the worst case scenario using a regional climate model (RCM): a) 10% b) 20% c) 40% d) 50% e) 90% 8. Which of the following sectors will be impacted by climate change? a) Agriculture b) Tourism c) Water d) Health e) All of the above 9. What must be done by us in response to climate change: a) We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions b) We must learn to adapt c) We must do both a) and b) d) We must throw our hands up in the air and weep 10. When must we act in response to climate change: a) Now b) Now c) Now d) Now e) Now Quiz Solutions: 1) c 2) b 3) b 4) b 5) c 6) e 7) c 8) e 9) c 10) any or all of a-e
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The Making of the Video—Climate Change and Its Impact on Jamaican Farmers—Pictorial Photographers: Omar Rainford and Nadine Brown
The video was produced as a part of the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience - Jamaica Public Awareness Campaign. The project is being financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through funds from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF). The video focuses on the plight of Jamaican farmers as they adapt to the changing climate and the implications that these changes have for food security and livelihoods. Watch the video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1nZOviUo-s