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Environment & Sustainability Guide · Jordan

Environment & Sustainability Guide in Jordan

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies

Jordan, with a population of over 10 million, confronts acute environmental pressures including extreme water scarcity, urban air pollution, and climate change impacts like rising temperatures and droughts. Historical data shows average temperatures increased by 1.2°C over the past 30 years, with precipitation declining 15-20%. The country maintains stable air quality (AQI trend: stable), has low forest coverage at 1.2%, and pursues renewable energy targets of 20% by 2025 and 50% by 2030. Protected areas cover ~10% of land, but challenges persist in waste management and disaster preparedness for flash floods and earthquakes.

Air Quality Index

0510

Moderate

6.0/10(AQI: N/A)

Stable trend

Jordan's air quality remains stable per 6-month trends, with urban areas like Amman experiencing moderate PM2.5 levels (15-35 µg/m³ annually). Major sources include traffic, industry, and regional dust. Government initiatives like the 2022-2027 National Air Quality Plan aim to reduce emissions through vehicle standards and monitoring stations.

Water Quality

0510

Moderate

5.5/10

Jordan has one of the world's lowest per capita water availability (~100 m³/year). Treated desalinated and groundwater supplies 95% of drinking water, meeting WHO standards in urban areas, but rural access lags. Pollution from agriculture (nitrates) and wastewater affects groundwater; 70% of households have piped water but face intermittent supply.

Urban tap water safe after treatment; bottled water common due to taste and supply issues. 92% access to safely managed drinking water (2022 JMP data).

Recycling System

Jordan's recycling rate is low at ~5-10%, with informal sector handling most plastics and metals. Formal systems exist in Amman via Ifaaqiyeh company, collecting paper, plastics, glass. National strategy targets 20% by 2025 through extended producer responsibility. Available types: plastic, paper, metal, glass; e-waste growing concern.

Recycling Rate: 7.0%

plasticpapermetalglass

Green Spaces

Forest coverage is minimal at 1.2% (120,000 ha), mostly semi-arid shrubland. Jordan has 12 nature reserves and 10% land under protection via Royal Society for Nature Conservation (RSCN). Key areas: Dana Biosphere Reserve, Mujib Nature Reserve. Reforestation targets 50,000 ha by 2030 amid desertification.

Forest Coverage: 1.2%

National Parks: 12

Protected areas total ~1.8 million ha (10% territory), focusing on biodiversity hotspots. Challenges include grazing pressure and climate impacts.

Environmental Policies

Jordan ratified Paris Agreement (2016), commits to 3.1% GHG reduction by 2030. Key policies: National Climate Strategy 2021-2050, 20% RE by 2025/50% by 2030. Plastic ban on single-use bags (2021), targets 40% reduction. Enforcement via Ministry of Environment.

Key Policies:

•National Climate Change Policy 2021
•Renewable Energy Law 2012
•Plastic Pollution Control Regulation 2021

Renewable Energy: 20% RE in electricity by 2025, 50% by 2030; solar/wind capacity reached 20% by 2023.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Jordan faces flash floods, earthquakes, droughts, landslides. Located on Dead Sea Fault, seismic risk high. Recent events: 2023 flash floods killed 4; 2018 Dead Sea floods 21 deaths.

flash floodsearthquakesdroughtslandslides

Climate Change Impacts: Temperatures rose 1.2°C (1990-2020), projected 2.2-4°C by 2050. Drought frequency tripled since 1980s; precipitation down 18% (1998-2018). Heatwaves increased 3-fold; flash floods more intense (e.g., 50% higher peak flows). Sea level rise minimal impact (Aqaba coast <1m projected).

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Jordan's RE capacity grew from 0% (2012) to 26% (2023), led by solar (1.5 GW) and wind. Targets 50% RE by 2030 via feed-in tariffs and tenders. Shams Ma'an CSP plant operational since 2016.

Water Conservation

National Water Strategy 2025-2040 includes wastewater reuse (25% supply), desalination expansion (Aqaba plant 300 MCM/year). Smart metering reduced losses 15%; rainwater harvesting mandatory for new buildings.

Waste Management

Solid Waste Management Strategy 2023 targets sanitary landfills (95% coverage), composting plants, 20% recycling by 2025. Private sector concessions operate 7 landfills.

Wildlife & Nature

Nubian IbexVulnerable

Jordanian SerinEndangered

Arabian OryxVulnerable

Lesser KestrelVulnerable

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