In Jamaica, as in many developing countries, the pursuit of sustainability is a delicate balancing act. The pressing need for economic survival often forces communities to make difficult choices that can damage the environment. With a history rooted in agriculture, resource extraction, and a growing dependency on tourism, Jamaica's environment bears the weight of its economic challenges. Like many other nations in the Global South, Jamaica faces the ongoing struggle to meet its people’s immediate needs while protecting its natural resources for future generations.
The global shift toward sustainability has placed a spotlight on environmental issues. Yet, for countries like Jamaica, this conversation cannot be separated from the reality of economic survival. Falling commodity prices, increasing protectionism, and crushing debt burdens leave little room for long-term planning. When day-to-day survival is at stake, environmental concerns often take a backseat. This dynamic was powerfully …
