Students, stakeholders drive climate solutions at JPS Expo

Hundreds of student innovators, policymakers, and private sector leaders from across the island convened at the AC Hotel in St Andrew on Thursday to showcase practical climate solutions at this year’s staging of the JPS Foundation Climate Action Conference and Expo.

Held under the theme ‘Road to Resilience: Energy, Disaster Preparedness and Food Security’, the free public event transformed climate conversations into tangible experiences, connecting attendees directly with the technologies and ideas shaping Jamaica’s response to climate change.

In her opening remarks, Sophia Lewis, head of the JPS Foundation, emphasised the urgency and purpose behind the initiative, noting that the event was designed to go beyond discussion.

“This is a national platform for action, bringing together government, private sector, academia, and our young people to explore practical, scalable solutions that can strengthen Jamaica’s resilience to climate change,” Lewis said.

She added that the experience was intentionally crafted to move participants beyond awareness and into action, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to respond to climate challenges, particularly those affecting Jamaica.

The expo featured a dynamic mix of interactive exhibits, panel discussions, and live demonstrations by climate professionals and students alike. Central to the experience was the immersive Sustainability City, where patrons explored real-world solutions across the event’s three core pillars.

More than a dozen exhibitors showcased innovations in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and risk management. Participating organisations included the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Scientific Research Council (SRC), and several private sector partners, reflecting the cross-sector collaboration driving Jamaica’s climate resilience efforts.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY

A major highlight of the day was the EcoSpark Innovation Challenge finals, which showcased bold, student-led solutions to real-world environmental challenges. The competition, developed by the JPS Foundation in partnership with the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ), featured finalists from the Foundation’s Power Up Energy Clubs, as well as other secondary schools.

Students competed in two categories – Nature-Based Solutions and Grid Resilience Innovation – presenting ideas ranging from flood mitigation systems and sustainable food production models to community-based disaster response technologies and renewable energy solutions.

At the end of the competition, St Hilda’s Diocesan High School emerged as the overall winner, also taking top honours in the Nature-Based Solutions category with its EcoDrain project. Roger Clarke High School won the Grid Resilience category with SolarHive, while St George’s College secured the People’s Choice Award for its Rain Garden within a Miniature Sponge City initiative. The teams walked away with a combined total of more than $1.2 million in prizes.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Dale Webber, special envoy for climate change, environment, ocean and blue economy, underscored the importance of initiatives like the expo in advancing national resilience.

“Resilience is no longer an option for Jamaica; it is essential if we are to survive. Climate change is not just an environmental issue – it is an economic, social, and national development issue, and platforms like this are critical in helping us prepare and act,” he said.

Throughout the day, attendees engaged with a range of special features, including the Teaching Tunnel, which explored Jamaica’s climate realities and future projections; an electric vehicle test drive area powered by JPS Charge ‘n Go and BYD; and a dedicated innovation centre spotlighting youth-led ideas.