Jamaica charts a greener path with new National Green Economic Growth Model

KINGSTON, Jamaica (ILO News) - The Government of Jamaica has received a powerful new tool to guide its climate-smart economic transformation. On 8 July 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially handed over the National Green Economic Growth Model to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The model estimates that a green transition could result in close to 8,000 net new jobs and boost GDP by nearly 1 per cent by 2035. It also identifies high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, green construction, agriculture, and services, while addressing social protection and workforce reskilling.

“This resulting report... provides a clear picture of potential impacts and how Jamaica can drive sustainable job creation leveraging the benefits of a green economy,” said Dr. Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident Representative. “It underscores the importance of aligning environmental sustainability with economic resilience and decent work.”

According to the ILO’s Lead Economist Mr. Marek Harsdorff, the analysis shows clear links between green investment and inclusive growth. The greatest job gains are projected in construction, tourism, services, and renewable energy, with women and youth expected to benefit significantly due to induced effects in household spending. “The study shows that investing in green infrastructure and skills pays off economically and socially,” Harsdorff noted. “It demonstrates how climate action, when backed by evidence and policy alignment, can lift incomes and reduce poverty.”

The Model is designed to support ministries in planning for the future labour market, adjusting policies, and guiding investment decisions in line with Jamaica’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Vision 2030, and the ILO Just Transition Framework.

Ms. Marissa Sheppard, ILO Just Transition Officer, emphasized the importance of equity and participation: “Deliberate action is needed to ensure that these opportunities reach those who need them. The connection between data and policy action is what will transform this research into real change for working families in Jamaica.”

Mr. Omar Alcock, Principal Director (Acting), Climate Change Division at the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, welcomed the tool’s alignment with policy priorities: “The insights from the [model] project help ensure that the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy supports decent work, social protection, and economic opportunity—regardless of gender, grouping or vulnerability.”

From the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mr. Alrick Brown read remarks on behalf of Ms. Gillian Corrodus: “This jobs transition project aims to promote robust policies… that ensure businesses remain viable and workers have an income. These solutions will span several sectors.”

Employers and trade unions echoed their support for turning the model into tangible progress. Ms. Marilyn MacDonald, Jamaica Public Service, said: “Being a part of this process sharpened our awareness of the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead. The model provides a vital evidence-based framework to guide policy decisions.”

Mr. Shamir Brown, Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), affirmed: “We recognize that climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time… The green jobs assessment model provides a critical tool to identify where green jobs are being created and under what conditions.”

With broad participation, solid data, and a clear vision, the model positions Jamaica to take bold steps in building a future rooted in sustainability, equity, and decent work. This handover marks not just the end of a project, but the start of a movement toward a greener, fairer Jamaica.