Jamaica: Climate change risk profile fact sheet – Jamaica

This profile provides an overview of climate risks facing Jamaica, including how climate change will potentially impact agricultural production, human health, water and sanitation, infrastructure, coastal ecosystems, and youth development. The brief includes an overview of Jamaica’s geography and landscape, observed historical climate changes, and projected changes to key climate stressors. The profile also includes information on national climate strategies and plans, the climate finance landscape, and notable sector vulnerabilities. Recognizing the unique skills and knowledge that local populations in Jamaica bring to addressing climate risks, the profile details specific risks to critical populations living in highly vulnerable conditions.

Jamaica is highly vulnerable to the impacts of ongoing and future climate variability and change. Key climate stressors include rising temperatures, increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes, coastal erosion, and the effects of rising sea levels. Over half of the population of 2.8 million live in urban areas, with approximately 60 percent within two kilometers of the coast. Economic activities susceptible to climate stressors, such as tourism and fishing in coastal areas, contribute approximately 90 percent of the country’s GDP. Strong tropical storms and hurricanes result in power outages, infrastructure damage, flash flooding, and landslides, causing an annual GDP loss of 1.15 percent.