Jamaica to Enact Climate Change Legislation This Year, Says Samuda

According to Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, climate change legislation will be enacted this fiscal year. The legislation is a significant step in strengthening Jamaica's governance framework. Samuda made this announcement during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives. The Ministry is partnering with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to deliver this legislation. This legislation will provide legal support for climate policies while ensuring accountability across sectors. Samuda stated that this is essential for delivering sustained and measurable outcomes, greater transparency, improved policy implementation, and increased investor confidence. A strong legal framework will position Jamaica to access additional international funding. The aim is to complete the legislation during the current fiscal year. Samuda also mentioned Jamaica’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction and Climate Resilience Strategy (LTS 2050), which was completed in July 2025. The strategy outlines Jamaica’s pathway to achieving net-zero emissions by or before 2060, while ensuring that economic growth remains inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. The LTS takes a whole-of-economy approach, examining how key sectors must evolve over time. The targeted sectors include energy, transport, agriculture, infrastructure and urban development, forestry, and ecosystems. The LTS projects approximately US$13.9 billion