Category: Environment

Caribbean officials, civil society meet ahead of the first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels

March 5, 2026

This was a “first” – and a very important first, too. The first two working days this week were devoted to a Convening of Caribbean government officials, civil society representatives and environmental defenders, in Saint Lucia, ahead of the FIRST – yes, another first – International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, to take … More Caribbean officials, civil society meet ahead of the first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels

Budget complaints, a Big Run, and a tax on sugary drinks: Jamaican News, February 12 – 18, 2026

February 21, 2026

It has been a busy kind of week, with lots of discussion surrounding the Budget. Valentine’s Day was much celebrated, and the weather in the city has turned quite dry and warm. Apart from money matters, the Caribbean is, in varying degrees, concerned and/or expressing concern over the current situation in Cuba. Ash Wednesday was … More Budget complaints, a Big Run, and a tax on sugary drinks: Jamaican News, February 12 – 18, 2026

Citizens Rights to the City wants more public participation on shared communities legislation

February 19, 2026

 One of the key pillars of the Escazú Agreement, adopted in Costa Rica back in 2018 – which Jamaica is committed to ratifying, although we have no timeline – is to ensure public participation in environmental matters. The environment, of course, includes our urban neighbourhoods, where so many of us live. The Caribbean is becoming … More Citizens Rights to the City wants more public participation on shared communities legislation

Jamaica’s Collective for Local and Endemic Wildlife: a launch, a celebration, conservation, and community

February 15, 2026

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 will be World Wildlife Day. The theme this year is an interesting one: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods. In Jamaica, we have a wealth of knowledge and information about such plants. Recently, our gardener pointed out some species are growing in our somewhat overgrown yard: the tiny … More Jamaica’s Collective for Local and Endemic Wildlife: a launch, a celebration, conservation, and community

Jamaican women in STEM are holding their own, but need more role models and opportunities

February 12, 2026

I always feel that there should not be a “special day” for women who are working in various fields of “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics” (which is what STEM stands for). They should be recognised and their work highlighted throughout the year. Nevertheless, today (February 11) is the International Day of Women and Girls in … More Jamaican women in STEM are holding their own, but need more role models and opportunities

World Wetlands Day: Jamaica’s mangrove forests under pressure

February 3, 2026

Today is World Wetlands Day. This is a fairly major event in Jamaica, with government agencies pulling out all the stops to get some activities going, and to raise awareness of the importance of our wetlands via the media. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) normally takes the lead; this year, it hasproduced a … More World Wetlands Day: Jamaica’s mangrove forests under pressure

Jamaica is an island of trash: what are we doing about it?

January 26, 2026

When our birding group (BirdLife Jamaica) goes on a trip, we generally go “off the beaten track.” With our beautiful Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston as perhaps an exception, birders have their favourite spots – but they are not usually obvious public places. So, our intrepid group recently took a trip to Hellshire. It’s a … More Jamaica is an island of trash: what are we doing about it?

The right to know: an upcoming forum on Access to Information in Kingston on January 21, 2026

January 19, 2026

If you don’t know, you are ignorant. And the darkness, or the twilight, of not knowing (or half-knowing) is not a good place to be. That is when we complain about “lack of transparency” – and next week, a Public Forum in Kingston, Jamaica, will be addressing this very issue. How can we clear away … More The right to know: an upcoming forum on Access to Information in Kingston on January 21, 2026

A day of hope for the Ocean as Global Ocean Treaty takes effect, but there’s a long “to-do” list

January 18, 2026

Today (Saturday, January 17, 2026) a critical agreement for the protection of our high seas takes effect: the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) – yes, it’s a mouthful! Known for short as … More A day of hope for the Ocean as Global Ocean Treaty takes effect, but there’s a long “to-do” list

United Oil and Gas starts explorations off Jamaica’s south coast this month: here are some details

January 13, 2026

It seems we are all talking about oil again, with the United States’ antics in Venezuela and ships chasing each other. However, let’s pause for a moment. Isn’t it well established by now that the major emitters of greenhouse gases, the big fossil fuel companies, are responsible for the phenomenon of climate change, which is … More United Oil and Gas starts explorations off Jamaica’s south coast this month: here are some details