Kingston, Jamaica – December 5, 2024
Jamaica will host its Second National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) on December 5, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kingston. Organized by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) and the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (MSJ) and hosted in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the forum aims to enhance Jamaica’s climate resilience efforts by improving the application of climate services across key national economic sectors.
The event is supported by the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme, financed by the European Union, and is expected to cater to approximately 60 experts, representing national governmental authorities, NGOs, the private sector, and key sectoral users.
This year’s forum builds on the success of Jamaica’s first National Climate Forum held in June 2024, which focused on integrating climate outlooks into decision-making. The discussions at the upcoming event will center on the latest developments in climate products and services and how they can be leveraged to strengthen resilience and manage climate risks more effectively.
The forum’s primary objective is to continue fostering dialogue between the MSJ and stakeholders to better understand the climate services needs of various climate-sensitive socio-economic sectors in Jamaica. It will focus on improving communication of climate information, addressing gaps in climate products, and ensuring that the information provided is actionable. Through this collaborative platform, the forum seeks to enhance inter-agency coordination, particularly for climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, water, health, energy, and disaster risk reduction.
Ms. Sherri Frederick, Programme Manager of the ClimSA Caribbean programme being implemented by the CIMH, on behalf of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO), emphasized the region’s need for robust climate services. “Through the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications Caribbean Programme, we are working closely with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) across the Caribbean to enhance climate resilience. We are proud to support Jamaica’s efforts in adapting to climate change and increasing climate variability by providing technical expertise and climate information tools,” she said.
Participants will hear from experts representing various climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, water, health, and energy. Representatives from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), National Water Commission (NWC), Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), and Jamaica Power Service (JPS) will discuss how climate information can improve decision-making within their respective fields. Updates will also be provided on the latest climate normals for rainfall and temperature, as well as a seasonal climate outlook for the upcoming dry season, offering crucial insights into Jamaica’s upcoming season.
Mrs. Jacqueline Spence-Hemmings, Acting Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, highlighted the critical need for stakeholder engagement in climate service initiatives, particularly in light of the recent impacts from Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Rafael. She remarked that these events serve as stark reminders of the "new normal" we are facing, with the increasing frequency and intensity of weather events driven by climate variability and change due to global warming.
The forum will also include sessions on the 2024 hurricane season and preparedness efforts by government agencies, the private sector, and communities. Discussions will address how climate information is used in real-time and for long-term planning, and how it can be improved for future use.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants will discuss the next steps for improving Jamaica’s climate services and strengthening the National Climate Outlook Forums (NCOFs) as a regular platform for dialogue. The expected outcomes include a better understanding of sectoral needs, enhanced climate service awareness, identification of gaps in current offerings, and stronger partnerships among climate service providers and users.
The Second National Climate Outlook Forum presents an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to deepen their understanding of climate services and their potential role in improving Jamaica’s climate resilience.
About The Intra-ACP ClimSA Caribbean Programme Support for the Intra-ACP ClimSA Caribbean Programme is provided by the global Intra-ACP ClimSA Programme, an initiative funded by the European Union (EU). The programme aims to improve the production, access to and use of climate information, services, and applications to support evidence-based decision-making across African, Caribbean, and Pacific states empowering them to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts effectively.
Media contacts: Lyn-Marie Deane, Communications Specialist, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) – ldeane@cimh.edu.bb