Description
ABSTRACT: Jamaica’s coastal areas play a vital role in the social and economic life of the country. This is reflected in the fact that over 50 percent of economic assets including air and sea port facilities and tourism infrastructure are concentrated in coastal areas. Additionally, approximately 70 percent of the population resides in coastal areas. In particular, over the past 10-15 years, the demand for coastal space has intensified considerably, resulting in a proliferation of both planned and unplanned developments. This demand has persisted despite the fact that Jamaica’s coastal areas are highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as hurricanes and storm surges. This poses a dilemma for development planners as the intensity and frequency of the hazard events has increased in recent years, and the continued trend towards development in coastal areas is reducing the ability of these areas to withstand their impact. These repeated storm events have affected many coastal settlements and infrastructure, resulting in loss of lives, livelihoods, and damage amounting to billions of dollars. This paper discusses the possible implications for climate change on developments in Jamaica’s coastal areas through hurricanes and storm surges. Development trends in coastal areas are documented by highlighting population growth and tourism-related development in coastal areas. The environmental and socio-economic importance of coastal areas is looked at by examining the goods and services provided by coastal resources. A contribution of historical analysis and empirically based predictions of future climate trends is used to determine the potential implications for coastal areas. These strategies are especially critical for Jamaica in achieving its goal of developed country status by 2030 and making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.
