KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has affirmed the country’s commitment to halt, and even reverse the adverse effects on climate change.

Jamaica’s firm position comes as the country supports the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Speaking at the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, under way in Marrakech, Morroco, Prime Minister Holness said the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on November 4, 2016 and COP 22 are major milestones to developing a low carbon, climate resilient world.

“Jamaica is proud of the leadership role it has played to get us this far,” said the prime minister, adding: “I wish to assure this august body that Jamaica remains fully committed to ratification of the Paris Agreement. To this end, we are working assiduously on the requisite domestic procedures.”

According to Prime Minister Holness, climate change is a developmental issue of global proportion that, in many cases, requires solutions, which are beyond the efforts of many developing countries. He said small developing States are challenged, including those that are classified as highly indebted middle income countries, hence urgent action, increased support and creative solutions are needed.

“Jamaica continues to build resilience in our systems through a rigorous national adaptation planning process, but our continued progress can only be realised through the strengthened global partnerships, which we expect to result from our meetings here this week,” he stated.

Noting that the Marrakech meeting is an opportunity to consolidate the progress made, and accelerate action on climate change, Holness said the country looks forward to implementing measure to limit temperature increases to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels; increased levels of, and simplified access, to climate financing with a strong focus on adaptation for developing countries; the use of innovative mechanisms such as debt for climate change swaps; and the full acceptance of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage.

The prime minister and his delegation left the island on November 13, to participate in the conference, which got under way on November 4 and will end today.

The prime minister will return to the island on Saturday, November 19.