Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has urged global leaders at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, to prioritize climate justice as they address the pressing challenges faced by the world’s poorest nations. Patterson’s appeal comes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, which has left hundreds homeless, destroyed critical infrastructure, and severely affected key industries like tourism and agriculture. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, has been linked to 45 deaths and caused an estimated $8.8 billion in damages, equivalent to 41% of Jamaica’s GDP. The World Bank has labeled Melissa as the costliest hurricane in the country’s history.