Jamaica’s commitment to climate justice and social equity has been given a boost by the International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Just Transition Project.

The Project is aimed at fostering a sustainable and equitable future for everyone by integrating climate justice with decent work principles, improving both the economy and the environment.

Speaking with JIS News, Just Transition Officer and Project Coordinator in Jamaica, Marissa Shepherd, says the project builds on previous work that was done in Jamaica, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

She notes that this was born out of a coalition that the ILO has with the UNDP to support their nationally determined contributions in setting targets for climate action at the global level, based on the Paris Agreement of 2015.

“It also aligns with international climate targets, while addressing local community needs which are impacted by these changes,” Shepherd adds.

The Just Transition Project centres around three main components, beginning with Policy Coherence. Shepherd points out that there needs to be coherence in policymaking, which speaks to how “we effectively design policies that are cohesive and mutually supportive across various sectors”.

“While we have established labour and unemployment policies as well as climate policies, it is crucial to connect these to ensure that our global commitments are translated into actionable support at the national level. This involves creating a framework that not only meets our international targets but also addresses the needs of individuals who will be impacted by the commitments we undertake globally,” she says.

“The project will ensure that those affected by these necessary shifts, including workers in the manufacturing sector, are supported through a fair and sustainable transition,” she explains.

Shepherd says one of the Project’s critical roles is to support transitions in sectors like manufacturing and transportation. “For example, a shift from combustible engines to electric vehicles, the project would ensure that workers from the conventional automotive sector are not left behind. We need to ensure that the decisions we make are grounded in research and data that reflect the realities in Jamaica,” she says.

The second critical component of the project is Social Dialogue. This seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, workers, employers, academia, and marginalised communities, to include persons with disabilities and youth.

“Every voice is crucial in crafting policies that are not just theoretically sound but also practically relevant to the lives of everyday people,” says Shepherd. The objective is to empower these groups to understand and contribute meaningfully to discussions surrounding concepts such as the Just Transition.

Finally, the project addresses Social Protection, particularly in relation to existing government schemes from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS). Shepherd points out that the recent extreme weather events, like Hurricane Beryl, have highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by many Jamaicans who lost their homes and livelihoods. The project aims to evaluate and enhance current protection programmes to ensure they effectively reach all categories of workers, including household helpers who may be affected by climate crises.