FAQ · Environment & Climate 26

On 1 February 2026 the Jordan News Agency reported a 2024 Department of Statistics report on ecosystems, biodiversity and forests, which describes forest coverage in Jordan as structurally limited. Wooded land totals 1070 square kilometers, equal to one point two percent of the Kingdom, with the largest area in Balqa at 164 square kilometers, then Irbid at 145 square kilometers and Ajloun at 139 square kilometers. The report recorded 55 forest fires in 2024 that damaged 4168 trees, 38 percent of them completely burned, over an affected area of 6132 dunums. It identifies fires as one of the most serious threats to forested land because they harm natural habitats, vegetation cover and soil stability and increase the risk of erosion. Firewood output reached 5060 tonnes in 2024, but the report says Jordan is not a wood-producing country and depends heavily on imports, with timber imports valued at 156 million dinars, up one point one percent from the level recorded over the previous decade. Forestry and wildfire figures in the report came from the Forestry Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Arabian oryx is a species that was hunted to extinction in the wild by 1972. Efforts to save the animal involved captive-breeding programs started in 1962 at the Phoenix Zoo. These programs successfully increased the number of oryxes in captivity, allowing for reintroduction efforts to begin by 1980. While populations have been released in places like Oman, wild populations now exist in Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Arabian oryx is currently listed in CITES Appendix I.

During prehistoric times, large mammals such as Asian elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, water buffaloes, and spotted hyenas inhabited the region. Many significant carnivores native to the Levant eventually became extinct during the late 19th or early 20th century. This decline was caused by humans hunting game that posed threats to farmers and livelihoods. Additionally, the expansion of human settlements led to increased encroachment on animal habitats. This loss of habitat resulted in the extinction of numerous herbivores and the carnivores that relied on them for food.

Jordan features a diverse range of flora and fauna adapted to various geographic regions. While extinct species like Syrian brown bears and Asiatic lions once lived here, many animals are now protected through conservation efforts. The country hosts over two thousand plant species and more than four hundred bird species, including 150 native species. Notably, the Arabian oryx population has grown significantly due to captive breeding programs at the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve. Many other mammals are also found throughout the country's different habitats.

Jordan is home to over two thousand recorded plant species across various biodiverse habitats. The vegetation varies significantly depending on precipitation, with many flowering plants blooming in the spring after winter rains. Mountainous northwest regions feature natural forests of pine, oak, pistachio, and wild olive. In contrast, the south and east transition into scrubby steppe-type vegetation or hard desert plateaus known as hamada. You can also find lush growth of trees and bushes in wadis, while the national flower is the black iris.

Jordan offers several opportunities for those interested in marine environments. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving among the coral reefs located in the Gulf of Aqaba. This coastal area provides access to protected coral reefs and various marine life. The town of Aqaba serves as a main hub for these water sports. It is a popular destination for those looking to explore the Red Sea coast.

Jordan's 2022–2050 National Climate Change Policy aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. This policy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a low carbon economy. It also seeks to increase climate resilience and improve food, water, and energy security. To address water shortages, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation plans to improve wastewater treatment facilities and incorporate more treated water into agriculture. These efforts aim to decrease water loss and reduce water usage in the agricultural sector.

Jordan has implemented several initiatives to increase its renewable energy share through legislation like Law No. 13. This law aims to reach specific renewable energy targets by 2020 and allows the Ministry of Energy to identify development zones. The country has also seen the inauguration of its first solar-powered charging station for electric cars at El Hassan Science City. Additionally, the Sahara Forest Project is being implemented in Aqaba to address energy, food, and water challenges using concentrated solar power. There was even an announcement regarding a plan to install solar panels at all 6000 mosques in the country.

Jordan has seen various changes in its CO2 emissions per capita since 1985. In the mid-1980s, the levels were around 3.06. After some fluctuations throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the figures reached a peak of 3.44 in 2005. More recently, there has been a noticeable decline in these emissions. By 2024, the per capita CO2 emissions in Jordan were recorded at approximately 2.01.

Jordan faces several challenges regarding waste management, including limited enforcement of practices which leads to littering and deteriorating collection systems. Solid waste management is an area identified for development, as municipal waste sites receive about 3700 tons per day from agricultural, municipal, and industrial sources. Due to a lack of proper recycling and sorting, waste-pickers often search for materials to sell to alleviate financial hardship. To address these issues, the country established a National Solid Waste Management strategy for 2015–2024. This includes plans to expand municipal recycling schemes by 2024 and construct mechanical and biological waste treatment facilities by 2034.

Much of the soil in Jordan is not arable even if water were available. Estimates suggest that between 6 percent and 7 percent of the territory is arable, though this figure is being revised upward as farming techniques improve. Agricultural potential is often limited by water scarcity and a lack of irrigation rather than just the lack of land. Only about 20 percent of the geographic area receives enough rainfall for rain-fed agriculture. Consequently, much of the land remains unsuitable for farming purposes.

Documented earthquakes in the past 2,000 years have been associated with the Dead Sea Transform Fault System. This system is a 1,100 km long left-lateral transform boundary between the African and Arabian plates. Historical records show significant events, such as earthquakes in AD 749 and AD 1033 that both had magnitudes exceeding 7.0. The earthquake in AD 1033 caused extreme devastation in the Levant and triggered a tsunami along the Mediterranean coast. These historical seismic events have often involved the rupture of the Jordan Valley Fault segment.

Jordan has managed the large number of Syrian refugees by relying on aid from foreign governments and international organizations. A key part of this management is the Jordan Compact, which was signed between Jordan and the European Union in 2016. This agreement aims to turn the refugee crisis into an opportunity for economic development. It shifts the focus from short-term humanitarian aid toward investments in education, job creation, and growth. The Compact also includes provisions for issuing work permits to refugees and relaxing trade regulations to stimulate exports.

Climate change reduces rainfall in Jordan and intensifies drought conditions. These effects make water even scarcer in a region that is already water-scarce. The combination of a desert climate and the global warming effects of climate change causes severe droughts. These droughts are periodic and can harm the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the country. Additionally, weather-related events are more likely to cause droughts, floods, and landslides.

Jordan can experience heavy snow and sleet over higher ground during certain winter storms. For example, a polar outbreak in December 2013 caused significant weather impacts across the region. This specific storm was driven by a large anticyclone that drew cold air from the Arctic. While higher elevations saw snow, lower elevations experienced heavy rain that caused flooding in some areas. This event severely affected many people across the Middle East.

The valley floor features varying levels throughout the region. In the north, the elevation rises to just above sea level. Moving toward the south, the level reaches its lowest point at the Dead Sea. This area is more than 400 meters below sea level. Extreme evaporation occurs here due to high temperatures throughout the year.

Human activity is the primary cause for the decrease in biodiversity across Jordan. Agricultural practices involving pesticides and fertilizers, urbanization, pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels all harm local flora and fauna. Overhunting is a major issue that has led to declines in large mammals like the Arabian wolf and Nubian ibex. Additionally, overgrazing causes soil erosion and desertification, which destroys essential habitats and vegetation. These combined factors reduce ecosystem resilience and make species more susceptible to extinction.

Hunting is considered a traditional sport in Jordan. In the 1930s, the Arabian oryx was hunted to extinction in the country, and three species of gazelle were also greatly reduced in numbers. To address these issues, legislation was enacted in 1973 to control hunting activities. This law introduced a closed season and established specific quotas. Efforts like the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve have since focused on breeding and reintroducing various species into the wild.

Historical depictions of fishing can be found within the mosaic floor of the Church of St Stephen. This perfectly preserved mosaic is the largest one in Jordan. On its central panel, the artwork features both hunting and fishing scenes. These mosaics are located at the site of Umm ar-Rasas. The work was created between 756 and 785 C.E.

The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature works to protect and manage the natural resources of Jordan. This organization is responsible for safeguarding wildlife and wild places through several key activities. They set up protected areas to safeguard scenic areas and breed endangered species to prevent extinction. Additionally, they enforce laws to control illegal hunting and raise awareness through educational programs. Their efforts also include promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and supporting rural communities.

International aid for environmental issues in Jordan comes from multiple donors. The environmental sector, including water, energy, and agriculture, receives grants from agencies like the Global Environmental Facility. Other contributors include the World Bank, USAID, JICA, and the International Fund for Agriculture Development. Multiple United Nations Agencies also allocate aid for environmental purposes. Additionally, countries such as Norway, Spain, and Switzerland divert money toward these issues in Jordan.

The New Abdali area in the Al-Abdali district is being developed to include green spaces. This project is envisioned to feature a central green park within its design. The second phase of this development specifically aims to promote a sustainable environment through these green spaces. This area will host various hotels, apartments, and commercial outlets. It is intended to serve as a major commercial and business center for the capital.

Yes, you can experience coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba. This coastal area provides access to protected coral reefs and diverse marine life. Visitors can participate in activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving among these reefs. Aqaba is a major seaside town that offers these water sports alongside various hotels and shopping centers. It is a key destination for those interested in exploring the country's natural marine landscapes.

Desertification in Jordan is a major environmental challenge involving the degradation of agricultural and irrigated lands. These areas transform into dry lands that are no longer suitable for farming due to various environmental, economic, and social factors. A primary driver of this issue is the scarcity of water resources caused by climate change, rising consumption rates, and population growth. This process leads to a decline in biodiversity, affecting both plants and animals in desert environments. Addressing this requires promoting water sustainability and implementing programs to rehabilitate damaged lands.

Jordan currently faces challenges with solid waste management due to limited enforcement of practices and deteriorating collection systems. The country lacks proper recycling and sorting practices, which has led to the rise of waste-pickers seeking to sell waste for financial relief. To address this, a National Solid Waste Management strategy was established for the period of 2015 to 2024. This plan includes short-term goals to expand municipal waste recycling schemes by 2024. Looking further ahead, the long-term strategy aims to construct mechanical and biological waste treatment facilities by 2034.

The Jordan Rift Valley contains the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea serves as a body of water that separates Jordan from Israel. Additionally, the Yarmuk River is an eastern tributary of the Jordan. This river forms part of the boundary between Jordan and Syria. Jordan also has a 26 kilometres shoreline on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea.