Amman: Jordan is making significant strides towards sustainability, green economy and combating climate change, said Minister of Environment Muawieh Radaideh.
In an interview with Petra, Radaideh highlighted major environmental challenges Jordan faces, including desertification, dwindling water resources and air pollution, highlighting the need for joint efforts by both government and people to address them.
Jordan’s progress in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2024, where it advanced seven points to 74th globally, reflects the country’s dedication to improving environmental performance, he said.
This includes reduced greenhouse emissions, enhanced renewable energy usage and improved energy efficiency, he said, adding that Jordan’s top regional ranking in climate performance underscores the government’s commitment to effective climate policies.
Radaideh announced an update of the national climate change strategy for 2022-2050, which outlines guidelines across various sectors to build a resili
ent society, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to global efforts towards carbon neutrality by mid-century.
The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) document, initially launched in 2015, sets a target to reduce emissions by 14%, an ambition that was increased in 2021 to a 31% reduction by 2030, he said.
The ministry seeks to meet these goals through promoting reliance on renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and implementing advanced technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), the minister said.
In 2022, the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan was issued to enhance Jordan’s resilience and sustainable development, which includes measures across various sectors, such as water, agriculture, health and biodiversity, integrating climate change, adaptation into all national policies and strategies, stated Radaideh.
He said the fourth national communications report details Jordan’s efforts to adapt to climate change effects and mitigate carbon emissions. It provides analysis of
climate impact on various sectors and outlines plans to reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of natural resource.
The Long-Term Low-carbon and Climate Resilient Strategy (LTS), he pointed out, aims for low-emission economic growth by 2050 and cutting greenhouse emissions across various sectors, he added.
On climate finance, the minister said the Green Bonds Guidelines, prepared in 2021, are in the process of approval and activation in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Jordan. These bonds will finance eco-friendly and sustainable projects that contribute to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability. The green classification, being prepared in cooperation with the Central Bank, will identify and classify environmentally-friendly economic activities, promote sustainable investments, and assess climate-related financial risks, said Radaideh.
He also mentioned ongoing climate-responsive projects funded by the Green Climate Fund, alongside initia
tives supervised by the Ministry of Environment in cooperation with environmental associations, highlighting the crucial role of civil society in achieving environmental and climate goals.
Source: Jordan News Agency