Jamaica
1
Statement by
Mr. Devon Rowe, Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Local Government & Environment of Jamaica
at the High Level Segment of the
14th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
United Nations, New York
12 May 2006
Mr. Chairman,
The positive and intricate linkages between access to energy, eliminating poverty and
improving human health and the environment and quality of life have been recognised at
the international level through the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation among others.
For Jamaica, which has one of the highest energy intensity rates in Latin America and
the Caribbean, this recognition has also been made through the development and
promulgation of the Jamaica Energy Sector Policy and the elaboration and
implementation of a rural electrification programme as one aspect of the National
Poverty Eradication Programme. The issues addressed at this session of the
Commission are therefore particularly important for Jamaica.
Over the past several days, fruitful discussions have taken place. It has been widely
recognized that access to energy resources, is fundamental to achieving economic
growth and sustainable development. We are however cognizant of the possible adverse
environmental effects of the expansion of energy intensive industrial bases, particularly
the emission of green house gases which contribute to global warming and climate
change.
Mr. Chairman,
We have taken careful note of the many successful case studies from different regions
of the world that have been identified, the lessons learned that have been shared and
the challenges that were articulated. As we share ideas however on barriers and
constraints and the strategies to move forward, my delegation would like to offer the
following ideas for action, specifically on renewable energy and means of
implementation.
2
There needs to be more institutional focus for exploration of renewable energy options
for developing countries, with more institutions engaged in research and development.
This does not only mean research into new or more technologies but an assessment of
current real potential. This would serve to advance and accelerate the transfer of
appropriate renewable energy technologies to developing countries through the most
cost effective method and to stimulate the competitiveness of renewable energy supplies
in the market place.
One mechanism to move forward is through South-South cooperation. While not a
substitute for North-South cooperation, South-South cooperation can assist in the
successful commercialization and advancement of appropriate technologies and further
development of local renewable energy markets. We also strongly encourage the active
involvement of the private sector in such initiatives.
Mr. Chairman, throughout the discussions, several SIDS have noted our vulnerability to
climate change and the importance of adaptation measures for SIDS as well as
mitigation measures by developed countries. The importance of the use of renewable
energy in reducing global GHG emissions cannot be overemphasized.
Through the CDM, renewable energy technology can be transferred to developing
countries with their limited financial resources. The CDM is mutually beneficial. On the
one hand, it assists developing countries to meet their sustainable development
objectives, and on the other hand, developed countries can meet their emissions
reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. Jamaica has been successful in trading
CERs under this mechanism, with the commissioning of a 20 MW wind farm. This has
been contributing to the country?s overall renewable energy targets. We encourage more
investments by developed countries in projects of this nature in developing countries.
An enormous amount of work needs to be done to assist host countries in building
national capacity to participate effectively in the CDM.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to suggest some specific measures in moving forward:
1. The incorporation of urban and regional planning initiatives into transportation
planning where energy and environmental considerations become paramount.
3
2. Encouraging incentives for the use of renewable energy sources for local energy
supply
3. Recognizing that linkages based on stewardship are important and that the "green
buildings" and "green cities" concepts are ones that should be adaptable without
much difficulty.
4. The strengthening of the national and collective capacities of countries to develop
policy strategies regarding the international regime on energy, climate change and
atmospheric pollution - for example, the development of building codes to include
various elements of energy efficiency and conservation and disaster mitigation,
among others.
5. The development of public and private sector specific education and awareness
strategies, so that decision-makers and the ordinary citizens become aware of
energy issues with the understanding that they can make changes, which will endure
and that behaviour will not be adjusted only on the basis of oil prices.
6. Promoting sustainable consumption and production practices, which can be
implemented, based on realistic phases, economic implications and affordability, in
the transformation of the region?s energy security.
In concluding Mr. Chairman, my delegation would like to reiterate that the large-scale
expansion of renewable energy initiatives, at a scale sufficient to meet the needs of
developing countries is crucial if we are to move forward, but this cannot be achieved
without positive support from the international community, including through the UN and
the IFIs. In addition, further work needs to be done at the global level to make
investments in energy efficiency more attractive.
It is my sincere wish that we will move forward rapidly so that effective and appropriate
policy measures can be adopted at CSD 15. Jamaica further hopes that collectively, will
be able to find ways to continue to provide and expand access to equitable energy
services in support of economic growth and poverty eradication without jeopardizing our
long-term prosperity and environmental sustainability.
I thank you.
Statement by
Mr. Devon Rowe, Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Local Government & Environment of Jamaica
at the High Level Segment of the
14th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
United Nations, New York
12 May 2006
Mr. Chairman,
The positive and intricate linkages between access to energy, eliminating poverty and
improving human health and the environment and quality of life have been recognised at
the international level through the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation among others.
For Jamaica, which has one of the highest energy intensity rates in Latin America and
the Caribbean, this recognition has also been made through the development and
promulgation of the Jamaica Energy Sector Policy and the elaboration and
implementation of a rural electrification programme as one aspect of the National
Poverty Eradication Programme. The issues addressed at this session of the
Commission are therefore particularly important for Jamaica.
Over the past several days, fruitful discussions have taken place. It has been widely
recognized that access to energy resources, is fundamental to achieving economic
growth and sustainable development. We are however cognizant of the possible adverse
environmental effects of the expansion of energy intensive industrial bases, particularly
the emission of green house gases which contribute to global warming and climate
change.
Mr. Chairman,
We have taken careful note of the many successful case studies from different regions
of the world that have been identified, the lessons learned that have been shared and
the challenges that were articulated. As we share ideas however on barriers and
constraints and the strategies to move forward, my delegation would like to offer the
following ideas for action, specifically on renewable energy and means of
implementation.
2
There needs to be more institutional focus for exploration of renewable energy options
for developing countries, with more institutions engaged in research and development.
This does not only mean research into new or more technologies but an assessment of
current real potential. This would serve to advance and accelerate the transfer of
appropriate renewable energy technologies to developing countries through the most
cost effective method and to stimulate the competitiveness of renewable energy supplies
in the market place.
One mechanism to move forward is through South-South cooperation. While not a
substitute for North-South cooperation, South-South cooperation can assist in the
successful commercialization and advancement of appropriate technologies and further
development of local renewable energy markets. We also strongly encourage the active
involvement of the private sector in such initiatives.
Mr. Chairman, throughout the discussions, several SIDS have noted our vulnerability to
climate change and the importance of adaptation measures for SIDS as well as
mitigation measures by developed countries. The importance of the use of renewable
energy in reducing global GHG emissions cannot be overemphasized.
Through the CDM, renewable energy technology can be transferred to developing
countries with their limited financial resources. The CDM is mutually beneficial. On the
one hand, it assists developing countries to meet their sustainable development
objectives, and on the other hand, developed countries can meet their emissions
reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. Jamaica has been successful in trading
CERs under this mechanism, with the commissioning of a 20 MW wind farm. This has
been contributing to the country?s overall renewable energy targets. We encourage more
investments by developed countries in projects of this nature in developing countries.
An enormous amount of work needs to be done to assist host countries in building
national capacity to participate effectively in the CDM.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to suggest some specific measures in moving forward:
1. The incorporation of urban and regional planning initiatives into transportation
planning where energy and environmental considerations become paramount.
3
2. Encouraging incentives for the use of renewable energy sources for local energy
supply
3. Recognizing that linkages based on stewardship are important and that the "green
buildings" and "green cities" concepts are ones that should be adaptable without
much difficulty.
4. The strengthening of the national and collective capacities of countries to develop
policy strategies regarding the international regime on energy, climate change and
atmospheric pollution - for example, the development of building codes to include
various elements of energy efficiency and conservation and disaster mitigation,
among others.
5. The development of public and private sector specific education and awareness
strategies, so that decision-makers and the ordinary citizens become aware of
energy issues with the understanding that they can make changes, which will endure
and that behaviour will not be adjusted only on the basis of oil prices.
6. Promoting sustainable consumption and production practices, which can be
implemented, based on realistic phases, economic implications and affordability, in
the transformation of the region?s energy security.
In concluding Mr. Chairman, my delegation would like to reiterate that the large-scale
expansion of renewable energy initiatives, at a scale sufficient to meet the needs of
developing countries is crucial if we are to move forward, but this cannot be achieved
without positive support from the international community, including through the UN and
the IFIs. In addition, further work needs to be done at the global level to make
investments in energy efficiency more attractive.
It is my sincere wish that we will move forward rapidly so that effective and appropriate
policy measures can be adopted at CSD 15. Jamaica further hopes that collectively, will
be able to find ways to continue to provide and expand access to equitable energy
services in support of economic growth and poverty eradication without jeopardizing our
long-term prosperity and environmental sustainability.
I thank you.
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