Climate variability has always been a driver of community and environmental dynamics, and the effects of this driving force will be exacerbated by future climate change. Sensitive communities, therefore, must build resilience and adapt to climate change with a solid understanding of the science behind it and the impacts it can have. This begins with the managers of these communities, which are the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community based organisations (CBOs).

The climate of Jamaica has been changing, as is evident in the Portland Bight. The already hot and dry region has been experiencing more drying and warming, impacting water and food supplies. Sea level rise and increased storm surges have led to beach erosion and mangrove loss, and intense warming events have resulted in coral bleaching, reducing the fish supply. These impacts are projected to continue into the future, with likely intensification of the trends in some variables.

The ?Climate Change Training for NGOs and CBOs? is geared towards increasing climate change risk awareness of members of NGOs and CBOs. This will be accomplished through presentations and hands on exercises. The project will provide exposure to the latest climate change information about Jamaica (State of Jamaican Climate Reports 2012, 2017). It also seeks to address the UNDP indicator ?Adaptive capacity fostered among natural resource dependent communities through awareness building, enhanced access to climate change and scenario information, and improved access to alternative resources?. The climate change training will engage the widest cross-section of stakeholders possible, and will teach them about past and future climate change, impacts of climate change on natural and physical resources, vulnerability to climate, and adaptation. It will be conducted in two half-day sessions.