Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie | Climate commitments vs oil ambitions: A dangerous contradiction

This year is on track to be one of the hottest years on record. The most significant cause of this global heating is the burning of fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) – and if the world does not rapidly phase out these sources of energy, every year is likely to be even hotter than the last.

For Jamaica, this means more severe droughts affecting farmers and the food supply, dangerous conditions for those who work outdoors, more water lock-offs, warmer seas degrading coral reefs, rising sea levels, intense hurricanes and increasingly unpredictable rainfall. Despite these risks, Jamaica appears to be embracing actions that will only deepen our climate vulnerability.

The evidence of climate disruption is already visible and growing, both at home and around the world. Several communities in southern Jamaica are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, which struck as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm resulted in widespread damage, leaving families and schools displaced, infrastructure damaged, and recovery efforts still ongoing. Elsewhere in the world, record breaking temperatures, massive wildfires and catastrophic floods dominate headlines. Meanwhile, Jamaica grapples with drought conditions. Of course, Jamaica has experienced these events before, but frequency and intensity are increasing, reflecting the growing pattern of extreme weather linked to climate change.

FOSSIL FUEL AMBITIONS

Against this backdrop, the recent announcement that United Oil and Gas has been granted an environmental permit and beach licence by The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to explore for oil in the Walton-Morant block off Jamaica’s southern coast is deeply concerning. The area lies in proximity to ecologically sensitive zones such as the Pedro Bank and Pedro Cays, both rich in marine biodiversity. Drilling activity in this region could jeopardise fisheries, tourism and national food security.

Exploration may seem harmless, but it is the first step in a longer process. If oil is found in commercially viable quantities, it usually leads to extraction. These surveys are business ventures, driven by the prospect of profit. History also shows that environmental permits, while filled with conditions, are only as effective as the monitoring and enforcement behind them – something Jamaican regulatory bodies have long struggled with.

DEVELOPMENT NEEDS VS CLIMATE RESPONSIBILITY

Jamaica, like many small island developing states (SIDS), faces the difficult task of pursuing economic development while adapting to a changing climate. We have rightly called for climate justice on the international stage – demanding more climate finance, debt relief, and technology transfers to help build an energy transition to renewables and adapt to climate impacts. These appeals recognise that Jamaica contributes very little to global emissions but bears a disproportionate share of climate risks.

Is it fair to expect Jamaica to forgo oil exploration and extraction, especially when wealthier nations built their prosperity on fossil fuels? With major emitters like the US retreating from climate commitments, shouldn’t we take advantage of what’s available?

The question of equity is real. Guyana, for example, has come under criticism for its oil industry. In a BBC HARDtalk interview, President Irfaan Ali challenged the moral authority of developed nations to criticize fossil fuel development in the Global South. He pointed out that many wealthy countries have built their economies through decades of fossil fuel use, yet now expect developing nations to forgo similar opportunities. He questioned who would finance critical infrastructure and national advancement if countries like Guyana were expected to forgo their oil wealth.

There is also a deeper contradiction. While Jamaica is not a major emitter, granting licences for oil exploration sends mixed signals. It suggests openness to a development path that scientists including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) agree must come to an end. In fact, the recent International Court of Justice’s landmark advisory opinion stated that “the failure of a State to take appropriate action to protect the climate system from greenhouse gas emissions – including through fossil fuel production, fossil fuel consumption, the granting of fossil fuel exploration licences or the provision of fossil fuel subsidies – may constitute an internationally wrongful act which is attributable to that State.”

Yes, countries like Jamaica and Guyana face real development challenges, but choosing oil in the middle of a worsening climate crisis is a dangerous gamble and stands in stark contrast to global climate science and now, the International Court of Justice’s opinion. This path not only threatens our environment and our right to enjoy a healthy environment but also undermines our long-term economic stability by locking us into volatile markets. Most importantly, it neglects our duty to protect the planet for future generations.

SUSTAINABLE PATH FORWARD

Jamaica has choices. The country has the potential to scale up and accelerate renewable energy projects, especially using solar and wind. The Government of Jamaica has formally signalled it will not renew Jamaica Public Service’s all-island licence under current terms, opening the door to reform. This move could spur long-overdue growth in the sector, offer a more stable, climate-friendly path for the economy, but the pace of transition must be increased.

At the same time, we must rethink how we approach development. Adaptation is no longer optional – the climate crisis is already upon us. Climate change must shape every decision we make. That includes building resilient infrastructure, protecting watersheds and coastal ecosystems, moving away from extractive industries and investing in communities vulnerable to climate shocks.

While we rightly continue to demand climate finance, debt relief, and loss and damage funding from developed countries, we must also ensure that national policies reflect the same urgency and responsibility we ask of others.

Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, PhD, is an environmental scientist and chief executive officer of Jamaica Environment Trust. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com