Earth Today | Green growth a plus
New report finds green economy push bodes well for climate resilience, country coffers
Published:Thursday | July 10, 2025 | 12:08 AM
JAMAICA NOW has the benefit of new research which champions the pursuit of green growth over a business-as-usual scenario, given the pressing realities of an economy that is heavily reliant on fossil fuel energy imports and highly vulnerable to climatic shocks in key sectors such as agriculture and tourism.
On Tuesday, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organization officially handed over the report titled ‘A green economic growth model for Jamaica: Scenarios for fostering green growth’ to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The ceremony was held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston.
“Results from the model scenarios [entailed in the report] show that an accelerated transition towards a green and climate-resilient economy is highly positive for job creation, social development and economic growth. Net gross domestic product (GDP) impacts of the Green Growth scenario are close to one per cent above the business-as-usual scenario,” reads the report.
The results, it explained, are however contingent on the implementation of three “major strategies”, notably increased investments into skills for green jobs training (J$3 billion); an increase in green-tech capital expenditures (J$12 billion); and a decrease of transport fuel cost by electrifying vehicles (J$14 billion).
“In turn, job creation is highly positive, while macroeconomic indicators improve significantly in terms of the trade balance, growth of the domestic economy, green technology adoption, knowledge acquisition and human capital development,” the report said.
“Some 7,500 net new jobs can be created, which is some 0.6 per cent greater than in the baseline scenario. Increased disposable income and consumption among households further drive the growth in service sectors, consequently increasing the demand for employment. This is reflected by additional jobs compared to the baseline in hotels and restaurants, wholesale and retail trade, real estate, renting and business activities and other services sector,” it added.
Meanwhile, head of the UNDP in Jamaica, Dr Kishan Khoday, has underscored the value of pursuing a green growth pathway to sustainable development.
“The National Green Economic Growth Model for Jamaica provides a clearer picture of potential impacts and how Jamaica can drive inclusive and sustainable job creation, leveraging the significant benefits of a Green Economy. We have identified sectors with the greatest potential for green job growth and highlighted the need for reskilling and upskilling workers to meet future demand,” he told participants at the ceremony.
“The report underscores the importance of aligning environmental sustainability with economic resilience and decent work opportunities, a critical resource for guiding national policies, investment strategies, and workforce planning, in alignment with Jamaica’s climate goals and Vision 2030. We are particularly encouraged by the potential net impact on GDP if Jamaica increases investments in skills for green jobs training; scales up green-tech capital expenditures; and decreases transport fuel cost by electrifying vehicles,” he added.