The existing and predicted impacts of climate change vary locally, regionally, and globally. The issue has received considerable attention in Jordan for which the Kingdom has adopted a great number of international, national and sector-specific climate policies and strategies to address the negative impacts on its citizens and the world.   

Jordan signed on to the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement early-on.  In addition to Jordan’s 2025 National Vision and Strategy and National Green Growth Plan, the country’s key policy on climate change is the National Climate Change Policy and Sector Strategic Guidance Framework, which has now been extended to 2030. The National Climate Change Policy is a fundamental document which has seeks to build the adaptative capacity of Jordan’s communities while making Jordan climate-risk resilient, low-carbon, growing economy with healthy, sustainable, and resilient communities, sustainable water and agricultural resources, and prosperous and effective ecosystems in the path towards sustainable growth.  It also highlights specific national objectives and priorities for mitigation and adaptation measures.

The policy aims to support the Government of Jordan with overarching guidance for the implementation of both long-term and short-term objectives:

Jordan’s endeavors in climate action, including the water and energy sectors, is still somewhat constrained in aspiration and efforts. One reason for this is a general lack of awareness of the impacts, costs, and therefore benefits of action. Another reason is the lack of public funding available and private sector interest in implementing climate actions particularly in large infrastructure projects.

With regards to the energy policies enforced in Jordan, according to the National Energy Strategy (2011-2020), its primary target is to lessen the dependency on energy imports and transitioning towards relying more on the development of renewable energy resources and nuclear energy facilities. Furthermore, according to the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Resources, large-scope establishment of renewable energy technologies is placed as one of the highest priorities. The potential target of 10% by 2020 envisions for the construction of 600 MW of wind projects, as well as 300-600 MW solar power projects. Currently, the power purchase has been agreed upon towards the establishment of the 300 MW solar-power and 200 MW wind-power projects.

Catering towards adaptation practices towards enhancing a more sustainable environment in Jordan, the National Green Growth Strategy and work plan aims towards alluring potential sustainable investments which amounts towards US 1.3 billion dollars and providing approximately 51,000 new innovative job opportunities within the next 10 years.

Despite the obstacles and the challenges that Jordan faces in tacking climate change, it continues to prove that it is a bridge-building country for ambitious climate and energy policies in the Middle East.