Publications

Climate Smart Development for Internal Migration and Urbanization in Jamaica.

The Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) created a policy paper in 2024 focused on the links between climate change and internal migration in Jamaica.

Key Messages

• Jamaica’s urban population has increased over the years, mainly fuelled by
  internal migration patterns from rural areas and other parishes, with major
  cities tending to experience urban sprawl and overdevelopment that leads
  to land use challenges and socio-economic disparities.
• Jamaica is heavily impacted by a variety of environmental hazards, such
  as drought, sea level rise and coastal erosion, affecting livelihood and,
  consequently, migration patterns, as a climate change adaptation strategy
  and a response to climate change loss and damage.
• While women tend to be more affected by climate change and disasters, they also
  serve as active agents and leaders in their communities in times of environmental crisis.
• Migration inland is anticipated to occur with the high numerous settlements
  located in high-risk areas leading to potential new urban development that
  should consider the challenges and opportunities of migration to urban centres
  and do not replicate the environmental issues present in urban areas.
• The policy brief makes the case to institutionalize climate change policies and
  programs across multiple sectors with a data-driven focus on internal migration
  to ensure that the development of new urban centres follows the principles
  of just and equitable climate-smart development practices and to strengthen
  climate resilience in existing urban spaces.