29 and 30 April, 2024 - CIMH Press Release
On April 29 and 30, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (MSJ), in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), hosted an Inaugural National Stakeholder Consultation on Climate Services, and National Climate Outlook Forum, in Kingston, Jamaica.
Recognizing the urgent need for resilience building and adaptation support, the MSJ, through support provided by the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme financed by the European Union, spearheaded this event to enhance climate services and promote sustainable development. This forum provided valuable insights into the variability of weather and climate, climate change projections, and potential impacts on various climate sensitive sectors such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry to allow for the development of strategies and adaptation measures to mitigate the effects of climate variability and change. This landmark event is part of ongoing efforts to implement the WMO’s Global Framework for Climate Services Programme at the national level.
Mr. Evan Thompson, Principal Director at the MSJ commented on the development of climate services being of critical importance. He indicated Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation supported a joint governmental approach which included collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining on matters relating to climate services such as heat and the availability of water for the agriculture sector. This was further supported by Minister Samuda in his remarks as he underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the MSJ stating “We look forward to the basis of planning for the government to streamline its investment to ensure the MSJ has the tools it needs to better advise the Government of Jamaica.”
Mr. Adrian Trotman, Head of the Regional Climate Centre for the Caribbean at the CIMH highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts stating “This Forum provides an opportunity for collective action and knowledge-sharing among climate scientists and stakeholders. By fostering collaboration, effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate related risks faced by Jamaica can be developed. This forum demonstrates Jamaica's proactive stance to addressing climate challenges and resilience building.”
Dr. Wilfran Moufouma Okia, Head of the Regional Climate Prediction Services at the WMO, underscored the significance of the Climate Forum within the Global Framework for Climate Services Programme, stating, “The National Stakeholder Consultation on Climate Services is a crucial stride toward aligning climate services with user needs, gathering vital feedback, and forging legal and collaborative frameworks for climate actions at national and subnational levels”. He also reaffirmed the WMO’s commitment to supporting the MSJ in building resilience to climate variability and climate change.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Jamaica, Ms. Marianne Van Steen, commented on the long-standing partnership between the EU and Jamaica. She expressed support for Jamaica stating: “The European Union recognizes the importance of regional and national forums in addressing climate challenges. We are pleased to support Jamaica in this endeavor and look forward to the outcomes that will contribute to the broader global climate resilience agenda." She also congratulated CIMH and the WMO and commended the ongoing work by the Institute to strengthen capacities to address the impact of climate change. She remarked on how these efforts build on other ongoing collaborations in the region between the organization and the EU, in building national and regional level climate resilience.
The Inaugural National Stakeholder Consultation on Climate Services and National Climate Outlook Forum in Jamaica brought together more than 40 key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers in the agriculture and food security, water, fisheries, forestry, health, energy and disaster risk reduction sectors, and meteorology to address critical issues related to the impacts of climate change and climate variability on the island’s key economic sectors. It is anticipated that through the provision of accurate and accessible climate information, this forum will enable decision-makers at all levels to make informed choices and implement appropriate adaptation measures to improve climate services in Jamaica and contribute to a more resilient Caribbean.
Support for the Caribbean Intra-ACP ClimSA 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.