KINGSTON, Jamaica— Professor Dale Webber has been named Jamaica’s first special envoy for climate change, the environment and matters of the ocean and the blue economy.

The announcement was made in Parliament on Tuesday by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda.

Samuda said Webber will hold the title of ambassador while serving in this role.

“The need for this role has arisen from the significant demands being placed on all nations in the multilateral arena to participate in fora that focus on climate change, environment, and ocean agreements, as well as the stocktaking and evaluating the implementation of existing agreements, treaties, and numerous technical negotiations,” said Samuda.

The minister stated that Webber’s duties will extend beyond local shores, as climate change and environmental degradation are multilateral issues.

He further highlighted the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s concept of the ‘triple planetary crisis’ which includes climate change; biodiversity loss; and pollution and waste, and the threat it poses globally.

“This triple planetary crisis underscores the urgent need for global cooperation and local action to mitigate these threats and to ensure sustainable development for current and future generations,” Samuda said.

He added: “The increasing demand for high-level participation in not just political negotiations, but also technical meetings means that for Jamaica to maintain its powerful voice in these spaces, we must increase our capacity to contribute significantly.”

Samuda said that Webber’s appointment is a signal and a first step towards achieving this enhanced capacity.

Professor Webber, whose extensive curriculum vitae was highlighted during Samuda’s announcement, stepped away from his role as principal of the University of the West Indies, Mona campus in 2023. He was first appointed to the role in August 2018. Prior to this, he served as the university’s pro-vice-chancellor for graduate studies between 2015 and 2018.

Webber has had a distinguished career as a marine biologist, conservationist, and climate change advocate, with academic specialisation in Coastal and Environmental Management.