The recent approval of the United States’ eighth major offshore wind project provided a boost to the offshore wind sector’s commitment to being part of the solution not only to climate change, but also the rapid degradation of marine biodiversity. These crises are two sides of the same coin and must be addressed together.
Climate Change
President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement sparked widespread criticism beyond U.S. borders as well as debate on how best to proceed without Washington’s involvement. The WPR series examines the effects of climate change, and the trends that shape climate policy, in countries around the world.
Populist leaders worldwide have increasingly used rhetoric designed to appeal to people in society who feel disproportionately affected by sustainability measures. But while the rhetoric used by populist leaders are often opportunistic attempts to exploit these grievances, it is a mistake to dismiss the grievances themselves.
After years of economic stagnation, Jamaica’s economy has recently experienced rapid and potentially sustainable growth, thanks to effective policymaking. But the economic recovery came at the expense of preparedness for the effects of climate change, which poses significant dangers to Jamaica’s core sectors of agriculture and tourism.