United Nations Climate Summit 2025
Address
By
Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP
Prime Minister of Jamaica
at the
United Nations Climate Summit
On
September 24, 2025
____________________________________________________________
Excellencies, I wish to extend Jamaica’s support for the work of the COP presidency of Brazil and the UNFCCC ahead of COP30. Climate change is an existential threat to both the livelihoods and environments of communities worldwide, but disproportionately so to SIDS and LDCs. Sobering reports and assessments globally of the current state of the climate have increased the necessity for enhanced adaptation and mitigation measures to confront the challenges and bolster resilience.
In Jamaica, the nation is contending with intensifying adverse effects of climate change. Droughts, floods, tropical storms, and hurricanes have already impeded Jamaica’s development. 90% of our GDP is generated in close proximity to coastal regions. Robust adaptation measures are not merely preferable, but are imperative.
Over the past decade, Jamaica has made steady progress in climate action. Yet as we know, global climate ambition remains below what is required, and countries like ours must lead with both credibility and innovation. Jamaica’s journey with our nationally determined contributions reflects this leadership.
Our first NDC focused primarily on the energy sector, targeting up to a 10% reduction in emissions. By 2020, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation and the 11th globally to submit an updated NDC, increasing our ambition with targets of 25.4% unconditionally and 28% conditionally by 2030. We have also broadened our scope to include forestry and land use change, further strengthening our climate leadership.
I’m proud to announce that Jamaica submitted its further updated NDC 3.0, which is both comprehensive and realistic and further aligns our ambitions with action. Jamaica’s targets are anchored in existing policies and supported by political will. Key highlights of our NDC include a broader push for renewable electricity, energy efficiency in the water sector and electric vehicle adoption targeting 12% of private fleets and 16% of public fleets by 2030, decarbonization in the cement industry by 40 kilotons of CO2, and zero net loss of forests, along with mangroves and seagrass restoration.
Excellencies, by 2035, Jamaica aims for emission reductions between 26% and 41.7% compared to 2012 levels, depending on the scale of international support received. Jamaica is producing an implementation plan for NDC 3.0 that will provide a clear roadmap with sector-specific targets, stakeholder responsibilities, and costing to guide investment and partnership. This is not just a pledge, it is a practical economy-wide strategy for a low-emission, climate-resilient future.
In closing, Jamaica reaffirms its commitment as a party to the UNFCCC on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Jamaica remains dedicated to delivering on NDCs with increased ambitions for emissions reduction in mind, while also pursuing just transition, green growth, and a climate-resilient future for all. Jamaica welcomes the support of the international community as it pursues these ambitious goals.
I thank you.