Jordan is increasingly addressing climate change and drought, recognizing them as strategic national issues impacting water security, food security, and socio-economic stability. The Kingdom views these environmental challenges not merely as isolated concerns but as foundational elements influencing its long-term stability and prosperity. Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreisat showed this perspective, stating that "Climate change, particularly drought, has escalated from an environmental challenge into a strategic national issue directly tied to Jordan's water security, food security, and socio-economic stability." This recognition has prompted a significant shift in national policy. Jordan is actively countering these impacts by transitioning from a reactive crisis management approach to a proactive, integrated national strategy. This full approach is specifically aimed at long-term drought risk mitigation, seeking to build resilience across various sectors. As part of this concerted national effort, a dedicated project is actively promoting climate-smart agricultural practices within drought-affected communities located in northern Jordan, providing practical solutions at the local level.
Water Security Initiatives
Jordan's water security efforts include a significant expansion of its rainwater harvesting infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing available water resources. The Kingdom's facilities now comprise a substantial network of 570 structures, collectively capable of storing an impressive 95 million cubic metres of water. This extensive infrastructure plays a key role in capturing and retaining precipitation, which is vital in an arid region. Of these numerous facilities, the Ministry of Agriculture has directly overseen and implemented 300 projects, securing a considerable 36 million cubic metres of storage capacity under its direct management. These large-scale projects are complemented by initiatives designed to support individual households and rural areas.
In addition to large-scale infrastructure, support has been extended to rural communities through the funding of 3,683 household harvesting wells. These localized initiatives aim to enhance water availability directly at the community level, empowering residents to manage their own water resources more effectively. Jordan is significantly increasing its capacity for the safe utilization of treated wastewater, recognizing its potential as a non-conventional water source. Approximately 200 million cubic metres of treated wastewater are recycled annually, a practice that diversifies the nation's water sources and substantially reduces reliance on increasingly scarce freshwater reserves for agricultural and industrial uses. This strategy is critical for sustainable water management in the face of growing demand and climate variability.
Climate Change Projections
Climate projections for Jordan paint a challenging picture for the coming decades, indicating significant environmental shifts. Temperatures are expected to increase, with projections ranging from 1.7 to 3.2 degrees Celsius by the year 2100. These anticipated temperature rises are accompanied by an expected decline in rainfall, estimated to be approximately 15 per cent across the country. Such a reduction in precipitation will exacerbate existing water scarcity issues. Scientists also foresee more frequent droughts as a direct consequence of these climate shifts, posing a severe threat to agriculture and water resources. Additionally, the region is expected to experience an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. These events include destructive flash floods, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands, and intense heat waves, with temperatures potentially exceeding 42-44 degrees Celsius in some areas, impacting public health and energy demand.
Sustainable Land Management
The Ministry of Agriculture is actively advancing sustainable land management through various initiatives designed to protect and restore Jordan's natural ecosystems. Its full programs cover more than 80 million dunums, focusing specifically on sustainable rangeland management. These extensive efforts aim to protect and restore vital ecosystems across the country, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of these critical natural resources. The ministry's strategy integrates environmental conservation with agricultural practices to ensure long-term ecological stability and productivity, recognizing the interdependence of these sectors. These interventions are key for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, particularly drought, on Jordan's diverse landscapes and agricultural sector. By implementing sustainable practices over such a significant area, the ministry seeks to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and support local communities dependent on these natural resources for their livelihoods. This holistic approach contributes significantly to the broader national goals of climate resilience and environmental sustainability, ensuring a more secure future for Jordan.
International Cooperation
International partnerships play a vital role in Jordan's climate adaptation efforts. Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreisat expressed sincere gratitude to Japan for its significant financial support, noting the importance of global collaboration in addressing shared environmental challenges. Japan has generously funded several climate adaptation projects in Jordan, contributing substantially to the country's efforts in mitigating the impacts of climate change and drought. These projects are key for enhancing Jordan's resilience against environmental challenges, providing both financial resources and technical expertise to implement effective adaptation strategies. Such international cooperation is indispensable as Jordan works to secure its water, food, and socio-economic stability in the face of a changing climate.
