Will Jamaica Sink?
Is Jamaica Feeling The Effects Of Global Warming?

Will Jamaica Sink? (Photo: BBC.com)

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

The effects of climate change are being felt across the world and many major towns and cities are at risk of sinking, how will Jamaica and the Caribbean fare, will Jamaica sink?

Will Jamaica be affected by climate change?

Yes, Jamaica will be affected by climate change. Its biggest problem is the rising sea levels, Jamaica is only just over 7000 ft above sea level at its highest point, the Blue Mountains. Most of our major business areas are seaside towns which means we are at risk of losing significant economically and culturally important towns.

Also, many people live on the coast. Losing the coastline and the land along with it not only means losing their livelihood but their home as well.

It is expected that Jamaica the Bahamas and Haiti will suffer the most from climate change. Even more unsettling is the suggestion that rural and farming areas will be even more severely affected.

How does global warming affect tourism?

One of the largest contributing factors for vacations outside of your home country is what the weather will be like on your trip. For the cold winter months (for those who live in countries that have winter), a trip to a tropical destination where it is warmer is the dream. Also, for tropical persons like myself, it is fun to experience winter (at least for a few days).

The weather and the time of these natural processes change and are very unstable due to global warming. It can cause the seasons or weather to run for longer or shorter periods which can affect trips planned months.

How does climate change affect tourism in Jamaica?

Jamaica relies heavily on tourism, and climate change impacts it greatly. Our island is known for its many beautiful beaches. If we were to lose them to erosion, then that would mean tourists would find another tropical destination to visit.

How Climate Change can affect Jamaican Tourism

1. Warmer temperatures
2. Increasing frequency and intensity of extreme storms
3. Less rainfall
4. Increased frequency of heavy precipitation events
5. Sea level rise
6. Sea surface temperature rise
7. Changes in terrestrial and marine biodiversity
8. Dry conditions and more frequent and larger forest fires

Where in Jamaica are beaches disappearing at an alarming rate?

One of the clearest depictions of climate change's effect on Jamaica is the erosion of Hellshire Beach In Portmore, St. Catherine.

The erosion of the beach means many of the activities that we would normally enjoy, but Hellshire Beach can no longer accommodate them.

In some cases, the water is nearly at the entrances to the surviving restaurants and bars on the beach. A decade ago there was a lot more space between the buildings and the beach.

How much of Jamaica is below sea level?

Because Jamaica is an island, it is difficult to calculate how much of the island is below sea level, but the estimated height of the island above sea level is just 340 metres.

What climate change vulnerabilities are identified in Jamaica?

Extreme weather events and forced displacement are two of Jamaica’s main vulnerabilities due to climate change.

While Jamaica has not had the full effects of a Hurricane in years, we have had increased issues with flooding still a by-product of the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Prolonged rains in Jamaica account for over 60% of the recorded floodings on the island.

There is also the issue of drought in some areas which leads to water instability in many communities.

How does climate change affect agriculture in Jamaica?

Climate change affects agriculture in Jamaica as well. Very often farmers lose crops and livestock to heavy, persistent rains or drought in the area. Usually, you would be able to deduce when the best time is to plant certain crops, however, climate change make the weather even more unpredictable than it was before.

Because farmers lose crops, not only does it affect their ability to earn, but those who rely on farmers to provide food are also adversely affected.

How is Jamaica fighting climate change?

In 2020, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to submit a tougher climate action plan to the UN under the Paris Agreement by adding targets for forestry and including a strategy to lessen greenhouse gas emissions. This was done, according to the government as an answer to the rising sea levels and more intense weather occurrences the country has been facing over the years.

The environment in general has been more of a concern and the government has also banned single-use plastics (bags, straws, utensils etc) and styrofoam boxes.

Neighbouring Caribbean island Barbados has also begun to make steps in preventing the island nation from succumbing to the rising sea levels as well.

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References & Sources For Will Jamaica Sink?

1. (no date) Where is Jamaica in the world? Available at: https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/jamaica/location (Accessed: October 14, 2022).
2. A beloved Jamaican beach is succumbing to climate change. it won't be the last (2020) The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/27/jamaica-hellshire-beach-climate-change (Accessed: October 14, 2022).
3. Effects of climate change (no date) WWF. World Wildlife Fund. Available at: https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/effects-of-climate-change (Accessed: October 14, 2022).
4. World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal (no date) Summary | Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Available at: https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/jamaica (Accessed: October 14, 2022).
5. World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal (no date) Vulnerability | Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Available at: https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/jamaica/vulnerability (Accessed: October 14, 2022).

Will Jamaica Sink? | Written: October 20, 2022

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