We must learn to protect what we have, say climate experts

AMMAN — As the world grapples with the impact of climate change, with a focus on developing countries, Jordanian environmental experts are calling on the government and researchers to make the most of international assistance.اضافة اعلان

Jordan’s presence at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference is one such effort made by the country’s experts, activists, and youth to draw international attention to the Kingdom’s climate concerns.

Mohammad Faisal, an energy and environment consultant, told Jordan News in a phone interview that “Jordan is affected by the emissions of other countries in the region. If may be part of the problem, but it isn’t the only one. Therefore the (whole region) should work together.”

Jordan’s foremost climate concern is its lack of water, he stressed, which “affects almost everyone.” Faisal added that water consumption is “decreasing more year by year.”

The Green Climate Fund, a fund that seeks to help developing nations respond to climate change, is one of many places countries like Jordan can turn to for assistance, the expert said.

He called on all agricultural, environmental, and water experts to contribute to research and come up with innovative solutions to the problems the Kingdom faces as a result of climate change, which the fund could then support.
All the affected sectors “should work together, hand-in-hand,” Faisal said.

He consultant hope that Jordan would succeed in negotiating with developed nations to fulfill their pledges towards the Kingdom, as their industrial activities are a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

For his part, Mohammad Waheeb, an expert in natural and cultural heritage, said in remarks to Jordan News that “due to the country’s economic crisis” Jordan it isn’t in the ideal position to deal with the effects of global warming, due to regional wars, hosting a large number of refugees, and the fact the Kingdom is among the water-poorest nations in the world.

“Let’s not forget that the Dead Sea is shrinking all the time, despite the fact that it’s one of our most important tourist attractions,” he said.

Waheeb stressed that Jordan may not have the luxury of expanding its natural reserves, and that “we must learn how to protect what we have.”
“Sustainability is a necessity,” he underlined.

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