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Jamaica

Jamaica

Political Groups

G77, SIDS, AOSIS

World Bank Income Group

Upper middle income

Global Climate Risk Index

64.83

Share of Global Emissions

0.02%

Legislation

Laws, Acts, Constitutions (legislative branch)

Policies

Policies, strategies, decrees, action plans (from executive branch)

Litigation

Coming soon

Court cases and tribunal proceedings

Targets

Climate targets in National Law & Policy

Latest Documents

National disaster risk management act

, 2020

This document sets Jamaica's DRM legal framework. It repeals the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Act of 1993.

Climate Change Policy Framework for Jamaica

, 2015

The Policy Framework, adopted in September 2015, aims primarily to support the goals of Jamaica's Vision 2030 by reducing the risks posed by climate change to Jamaica's economy and its development goals. The Policy Framework creates an institutional mechanism and structures to facilitate the development, coordination and implementation of policies, sectoral plans, strategi...

Ministry of Energy and Mining long-term National Energy Policy 2009-2030

, 2010

Developed in parallel with the Vision 2030 Jamaica document, the overarching goal of the National Energy Policy is to develop: 'a modern, efficient, diversified and environmentally sustainable energy sector providing affordable and accessible energy supplies with long-term energy security and supported by informed public behaviour on energy issues and an appropriate policy...

Vision 2030 Jamaica: National Development Plan

, 2009

Vision 2030 offers a comprehensive planning framework in which the economic, social, environmental and governance aspects of national development are integrated. The Plan aims to put Jamaica in a position to achieve developed country status by 2030 and in the process, make it: 'the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business'. This is Jamaica'...

The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (Air Quality) Regulations

, 2002

Regulates the emissions of particulates and substances deleterious to human health. This includes the licensing of premises and plants which produce such polluting substance; fees for discharge; and inspection. The Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act enabled the implementation of the Air Quality Regulations and these regulations legislate for the licens...

Targets (7)

Request to download all target data (.csv)

Reduce emissions to 4.5 Mt by 2015 and to 3.5 Mt per annum by 2030Economy-wide: Economy Wide | Target year: 2030Source: Ministry of Energy and Mining long-term National Energy Policy 2009-2030
Mitigate 1.1 MtCO2e (unconditional) per year by 2030 compared to the BAU scenario, or 7.8% (unconditional) to 10% (conditional) reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to the BAU scenarioEconomy-wide: Economy Wide | Target year: 2025
Energy mix in 2030: 30% petroleum, 42% natural gas, 5% petcoke/coal, with the rest covered by renewables and others by 2030Energy: Fuels | Target year: 2030Source: Ministry of Energy and Mining long-term National Energy Policy 2009-2030
Reduce energy intensity to 6,000 BTU/U.S. dollar by 2030 against a 2008 baselineEnergy: Energy Intensity | Target year: 2030Source: Ministry of Energy and Mining long-term National Energy Policy 2009-2030
12.5% of energy from renewable sources by 2015 and 20% by 2030Energy: Renewable Energy | Target year: 2030Source: Climate Change Policy Framework for Jamaica

Legislative Process

Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, which has been independent since 1962. It is a member of the Commonwealth and has a Governor General as the representative of the British Monarch. The role is largely ceremonial, and is appointed on the recommendation of the Jamaican Prime Minister.

Parliament is bicameral, featuring a House of Representatives and a Senate. Members of the House of Representatives are directly elected, while the 21 members of the Senate are appointed by the Governor-General; of these, 13 are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister; and eight on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. Under the 1962 constitution, Parliament has the power to make laws. The Senate largely serves as a review chamber for legislation developed by the cabinet. The Cabinet is the main instrument of government policy, and consists of the Prime Minister and at least 13 other members of the House. The latest elections in Jamaica were held in February 2016 and the next one is expected in 2021.