Jamaica’s commitment to climate justice and social equity has been given a boost by the International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Just Transition Project.

The project is aimed at fostering a sustainable and equitable future for everyone by integrating climate justice with decent work principles, improving both the economy and the environment.

Speaking with JIS News, Just Transition officer and project coordinator in Jamaica, Marissa Shepherd, said the project builds on previous work that was done in Jamaica, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

She noted that this was born out of a coalition that the ILO has with the UNDP to support their nationally determined contributions in setting targets for climate action at the global level, based on the Paris Agreement of 2015.

“It also aligns with international climate targets, while addressing local community needs which are impacted by these changes,” Shepherd added.

The Just Transition Project centres around three main components, beginning with policy coherence.

Shepherd pointed out that there needs to be coherence in policymaking, which speaks to how “we effectively design policies that are cohesive and mutually supportive across various sectors”.

“While we have established labour and unemployment policies as well as climate policies, it is crucial to connect these to ensure that our global commitments are translated into actionable support at the national level. This involves creating a framework that not only meets our international targets but also addresses the needs of individuals who will be impacted by the commitments we undertake globally,” she said.

“The project will ensure that those affected by these necessary shifts, including workers in the manufacturing sector, are supported through a fair and sustainable transition,” she explained.

Shepherd said one of the project’s critical role is to support transitions in sectors like manufacturing and transportation.

“For example, a shift from combustible engines to electric vehicles, the project would ensure that workers from the conventional automotive sector are not left behind. We need to ensure that the decisions we make are grounded in research and data that reflect the realities in Jamaica,” she said.

The second critical component of the project is social dialogue. This seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, workers, employers, academia, and marginalised communities, to include persons with disabilities and youth.

“Every voice is crucial in crafting policies that are not just theoretically sound but also practically relevant to the lives of everyday people,” said Shepherd.

The objective is to empower these groups to understand and contribute meaningfully to discussions surrounding concepts such as the Just Transition.

Finally, the project addresses social protection, particularly in relation to existing government schemes from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Shepherd pointed out that the recent extreme weather events, like Hurricane Beryl, have highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by many Jamaicans who lost their homes and livelihoods.

The project aims to evaluate and enhance current protection programmes to ensure they effectively reach all categories of workers, including household helpers who may be affected by climate crises.

“Through the ILO Just Transition project, Jamaica is taking bold strides towards a sustainable future, ensuring that its workers are protected and that policies are inclusive and forward-thinking,” she said.

Jamaica’s journey towards a sustainable economy will be guided by the Just Transition Project implementation, with the primary goal to fulfil international commitments while also protecting the livelihoods of local individuals and communities.

By integrating policy coherence, fostering social dialogue, and enhancing social protection, this project is set to outline a thoughtful pathway towards a just and equitable future for all Jamaicans.

Amid rising global temperatures and increasing extreme weather conditions, Jamaica’s dedication to the Just Transition Project will offer an inspiring model for other Caribbean countries facing similar issues.

Centred around collaboration and community involvement, the project represents a crucial step towards building a resilient and inclusive economy, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainability.

The two-year project was officially launched on November 27, 2024, and is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

The ILO is a United Nations agency that promotes social justice and fair labour practices globally. Its initiatives aim to advance labour rights and improve working conditions through partnerships and innovative policy frameworks.