- Ministers discussed shared goals around boosting
climate finance and support for communities affected by
climate change
- Ministers discussed how to increase pressure on major
emitters to take urgent climate action
The COP26 President-Designate, , has
welcomed Jamaican support for climate priorities ahead of
the crucial UN climate change summit, COP26, later this
year.
During a two-day visit to Kingston, Mr Sharma met leaders
from the Jamaican government, including Prime Minister
Andrew Holness. The pair discussed their shared priority of
encouraging developed countries to deliver on their
commitment to jointly mobilise US$100 billion annually to
support the climate needs of developing countries and
welcomed the progress made by the G7.
During a meeting with leaders from youth and civil society,
academia and the private sector, Mr Sharma stressed the
importance he places in action to protect people and nature
from the worst impacts of climate change. Jamaica has
suffered the effects of climate change through hurricanes,
heavy downpours and coastal erosion.
The UK and Jamaica are also working closely towards a
shared priority of limiting global temperature rise to
1.5C, as co-chairs of the NDC Partnership. The partnership
supports countries around the world to put forward
ambitious emissions reduction targets through Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Mr Sharma’s visit follows the recent launch of the COP
Presidency’s Visions for a Net Zero Future project which
will see academics, business, civil society and citizens
coming together to develop a ‘Vision’ for a net zero
Jamaica, alongside five other regions of the world. The
project aims to help all nations envision what a
climate-resilient, net zero future would look like for
them.
Speaking at the end of his visit, Mr Sharma said:
“Jamaica is a clear leader on climate action. I have been
delighted to hear how this inspiring island is bringing
other countries on its journey, and I encourage Prime
Minister Holness to continue to be a vocal spokesperson for
how climate change is impacting developing countries and
particularly small island states.
“Climate change impacts lives and livelihoods around the
world every day. The world must continue to work together
to drive down emissions and make our communities more
resilient to climate shocks.
“Countries like Jamaica on the front line of climate change
have done the least to cause climate change and it is on
all G20 countries to step up and deliver urgent climate
action.
“The UK and Jamaica’s joint leadership through the NDC
Partnership sets a gold standard for the kind of
collaboration and international solidarity that we need to
see if we are to keep 1.5C alive and safeguard our planet
for future generations.”
Mr Sharma looks forward to continuing to work closely with
Jamaica and hopes to welcome Jamaica’s Minister of Housing,
Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Pearnel
Charles Jr., to a Ministerial meeting he is hosting later
this month to discuss the shape of the Glasgow outcome and
explore tangible solutions to some of the most important
issues.
