Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change (MWLECC) and

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

COP 21 National Consultation Programme: A Civil Society Awareness Building and Consultation Workshop for

NGOs/CBOs

Forestry Department, 173 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8

November 5, 2015, 8:30 am – 12:30 p.m.

CLIMATE CHANGE 101Clifford Mahlung - Project Administrator

Third National Communication and Biennial Update Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

What Causes Climate Change?

Where are Greenhouse Gases coming from?

Greenhouse Gas Emissions have been going UP!

Across the world temperatures have been going UP!

Impacts of Climate Change

• Increase in Global Surface Temperatures

• Rise in global average sea level

• Increase in ocean heat content

• More intense extreme weather events

Why is it getting warmer?

Jamaica’s chief concerns :

• Coastal Inundation

• Sea Level Rise

• Damage by Extreme Weather Events (drought, more intense storms)

• Health concerns re vector-borne diseases such as dengue

• Sea-level rise = concerns for saline intrusion into the country’s ground water

(Source: Jamaica’s Second National Communication to the UNFCCC-2011)

Six storms events between 2002 and 2010 resulting in $74 billion in losses to the Jamaican economy

Institutional Arrangements

• Ministry of Water, Land, Environment & Climate Change – established 2012

• Climate Change Division – established September 2013

• Climate Change Advisory Board• National Climate Change Policy• Focal Point Network

How can we adapt-individual level?Harvest and conserve water as we prepare for longer hot, dry periods

Prepare ourselves better for natural disasters such as storms & hurricanes

Protect ourselves against sea level rise by taking care of our coastlines- mangroves, coral reefs and beaches

Fishing Village on Back Road-Hurricane Dean 2007

Newlands, Portmore -Hurricane Dean 2007

Old Braeton- Hurricane Sandy 2012 Section of Port Henderson Main Road

following Tropical Storm Nicole 2010

With Climate Change-We have to change!“The central business districts, key infrastructure, and

major tourist accommodations and attractions are all in the coastal zone. In many cases, relocation or abandonment are not realistic options”

(Jamaica’s Second National Communication to the UNFCC-2011)

Map of Jamaica, showing Principal Hazard areas (below 7.6m) in red

If the huge Antarctic ice cap also melts the sea would rise to about 70 or 80 m above its present level.

A rise of 7 m would flood most of Jamaica’s coastal communities. In Clarendon, Lionel Town would be on the beach. Portland Cottage, Portmore and both our airports would be drowned.

Adaptation Options for Coastal Resources• Maintain/restore wetlands

• Maintain sediment transport

• Preserve coastal land/development (including infrastructure)

• Maintain shorelines utilizing “soft” measures

• Maintain shorelines utilizing “hard” measures

• Invasive species management

• Preserve habitat for vulnerable species (coral reefs)

• Maintain water quality

• Maintain water availability

• Construction of a specific embankment

Thank you

• Clifford Mahlung• Project Administrator – Third National

Communication and Biennial Update Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

• cliffmah2000@yahoo.com• 633-7521