KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dennis Gordon, the Opposition Spokesperson on Urban Renewal and Redevelopment, has called for a transformative approach to urban planning and infrastructure management in the Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA). His appeal comes as the city faces escalating risks from extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. Gordon emphasized the need for climate-resilient, nature-based solutions to address the vulnerabilities exposed by recent flooding incidents. He highlighted the inadequacies in Kingston’s drainage systems and physical infrastructure, urging authorities to integrate sustainability and resilience into urban development strategies. As a small island developing state (SIDS), Jamaica’s exposure to rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and sea-level rise necessitates a proactive, ecosystem-based approach to planning. Gordon pointed to Jamaica’s ICTU Final Report (NDC 3.0) to the UNFCCC, which underscores the urgency of climate-smart infrastructure. He advocated for green corridors, permeable surfaces, and urban wetlands as essential components of a sustainable Kingston. Gordon also stressed the importance of coordination between the National Works Agency (NWA), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and local authorities to create a unified, long-term planning framework. He called for transparency, public participation, and environmental responsibility in urban development, arguing that science and sustainability should guide infrastructure investments rather than political expediency. “Proper planning is not an option; it is a national necessity,” Gordon asserted. “We must build a Jamaica that can withstand climate change, protect its citizens, and grow sustainably. Our future depends on it.”
Gordon calls for climate-smart urban planning to protect Kingston Metropolitan Area
