JAMAICA will this week celebrate National Environmental Awareness Week, under the theme: "Breathe your oxygen: Don't burn it! Reduce your CO2 and save our Air".

The idea behind this year's theme, according to information out of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), is to help raise the visibility on climate change on the island.

"It is part of Jamaica's efforts to mobilise local support for global warming and climate change awareness issues, internationally," said the environmental regulatory agency in a release to the media.

The local theme represents a modification of the "Kick the habit! Towards a low carbon economy" theme that was selected by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Meanwhile, the next seven days will see the island engaged in a variety of activities, among them the June 5/World Environment Day concert and exposition on the north lawns of Devon House in Kingston.

"A total of 21 government agencies and private sector organisations have confirmed their participation in the event, which will also showcase the talents of several schools, community and cultural groups," said NEPA. "The concert will feature prominent acts from ongoing national Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) festival competitions in the fields of dance, drama and music."

Also forming a part of the week's activities is the June 6/World Ocean's Day seminar entitled: "Strong reefs, strong islands". That seminar, put on by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) and UNEP, will be held at the Discovery Bay Marine lab.

"The seminar will include audio-visual presentations, discussions and a semi submersible boat tour of the coral reefs in Discovery Bay," JET said.

Meteorologist Jeffrey Spooner, one of the Jamaica's climate negotiators, has lauded this year's theme. He said that it was essential for all Jamaicans to be made aware of climate change and its implications for the island.

"We need to have climate change first and foremost on our agenda. We have seen the footprints of climate change, and we must act now before it is too late. We need to have our adaptation plans put in place and we need to put them into practice," said Spooner, who also represents the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) on the United Nations Adaptation Fund Board.

He was appointed to serve on that board following the UN climate change talks in Bali, Indonesia last December.

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