Attachments
OVERVIEW
Jamaica is one of the largest and most populous islands in the Caribbean, with 1,022 km of coastline and over two and a half million residents. Jamaica has a rich cultural history and diverse tropical geography from the waterfalls of the famous Blue Mountains to the island’s white sand beaches, making it a popular destination for tourism. Like many neighbouring Caribbean states, the Jamaican health system and economy are susceptible to the direct and indirect effects of climate change. Tropical storms, sea level rise, and the changing distribution and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases present major risks for population health and will also have an impact on critical aspects of Jamaica’s economy such as tourism and agriculture. Over the past two decades the island has been impacted by major hurricanes causing extensive damage. Extreme weather events are anticipated to increase in intensity, emphasizing the importance of resilient infrastructure and health systems. Likewise, recent outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya and Zika highlight the need for climate-sensitive infectious disease surveillance and prevention.
SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
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In Jamaica, under a high emissions scenario, mean annual temperature is projected to rise by about 3.6°C on average from 1990 to 2100. If global emissions decrease rapidly, the temperature rise is limited to about 1.1°C. Increases in heat wave days and drought conditions are also expected [page 2].
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Climate change is expected to increase the risk of vectorborne diseases in Jamaica including an increase in the potential for dengue fever transmission [page 4].
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Outdoor air pollution in several Jamaican cities in 2012 was higher than the WHO recommended guideline values. Air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, pose a substantial risk to health [page 5].
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION
Jamaica is currently implementing projects on health adaptation to climate change and has implemented actions to build institutional and technical capacities to work on climate change and health. There are opportunities for action in the following areas:
- Adaptation
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Develop a national health adaptation strategy to be approved by the Ministry of Health.
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Conduct a national assessment of climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation for health.
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Implement activities to increase the climate resilience of health infrastructure.
- Mitigation
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Develop a national strategy for climate change mitigation that considers the health implications and co-benefits of mitigation policies.
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Conduct a valuation of the health co-benefits of climate change mitigation policies.