Energy Transformation Is Jamaica's Key to Inclusive Green Economy, UNEP Says

Image

Kingston, 22 March 2016 - 90 per cent of Jamaica's energy currently comes from imported petroleum, leaving the country vulnerable to external shocks. Improving energy efficiency and increasing the supply of renewable energy are vital to greening Jamaica's economy and making it more resilient, according to two new studies released Tuesday.

The Green Economy Scoping Study for Jamaica focuses on greening of the five key economic sectors: agriculture, tourism, construction, energy and water and sewerage, which account for more than 22 per cent of the country's GDP and more than 33 per cent of its labour force.

The Vision 2030: Jamaica and Green Economy highlights the linkages between Jamaica's existing national long-term development plan and inclusive green economy.

Leo Heileman, UNEP Regional Director and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean said: "Jamaica is well positioned to rapidly advance to a low-carbon economy, there is strong leadership from both the government and the private sector with many innovative initiatives happening on the ground, and many key resources already in place."

The two studies recommend a series of policies that can improve resource efficiency and adaptability to climate change, create jobs, and attract investment across the economy, spearheading the transition from dependence to resilience.

The recommendations build on Jamaica's existing policies and are designed to respond to the fiscal and social conditions in the country. The studies also highlight leadership from the private sector and civil society.

The two reports were presented during the Green Economy: A Tool for Sustainable Development meeting, hosted by the Government of Jamaica, with support from UNEP, through a European Union funded project Advancing Caribbean States' Sustainable Development Through Green Economy (ACSSD-GE).

For more information please contact

María Amparo Lasso, UNEP Regional Communications Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, maria.lasso@pnuma.org, (+507) 68523459.