- 09 Feb 2025
Jordan is embracing a green growth model designed to shape a sustainable future, addressing the economic, social, and environmental challenges facing the country. In a time when economic and environmental challenges are reaching new heights, adopting this approach is not just an option,it’s essential . The National Green Growth Plan (NGGP) serves as Jordan’s guiding light, aligning green initiatives with national goals like Jordan’s Vision 2025 and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to create a more resilient and sustainable future.
Jordan is quickly positioning itself as a leader in the green economy. The country is ramping up its efforts with a clear focus on renewable energy, water conservation, eco-friendly housing, waste recycling, and green tourism. Despite regional challenges, Jordan’s economy has maintained an impressive average growth of 5.4% over the past decade. With 50% of its population under the age of 24, Jordan has a dynamic, young workforce ready to power the green economy forward. Although the country lacks fossil fuel resources, this very limitation opens the door for Jordan to become a regional renewable energy powerhouse. Political support for green growth is embedded in the nation’s Vision 2025, further fueling the green transformation.
Emerging Trends: Green Growth in Jordan’s Economy
Here’s how Jordan’s commitment to green growth is transforming various sectors and contributing to global sustainable development goals (SDGs):
- Renewable Energy: Jordan is accelerating its shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. By 2025, the country plans to generate 11% of its energy from renewables, reducing dependence on imports and making strides toward energy independence.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Increased access to renewable energy - Water Conservation: With water scarcity a pressing concern, Jordan is investing in innovative water management solutions like wastewater treatment and reuse. These initiatives are improving water security, especially in arid regions. The Jordan National Climate Change Adaptation Plan also emphasizes the need for adaptation measures in the water sector.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Enhanced water resource management through innovative water- saving techniques. - Waste Management: Jordan is addressing waste through recycling and waste-to-energy projects . The goal is to reduce waste sent to landfills by 20% by 2025, contributing to more sustainable resource management.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Sustainable waste practices - Sustainable Agriculture: encouraging climate-smart farming practices that help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, while boosting food security and resilience in rural areas.
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Promoting sustainable agriculture. - Green Tourism: By investing in ecotourism, Jordan is generating employment opportunities, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable travel experiences.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Green tourism development. - Transport: Promoting public transportation and electric vehicles to reduce emissions. Projects like the Bus Rapid Transit in Amman and Zarqa are underway. SDG 11– Sustainable Cities and Communities
Jordan’s reliance on external resources and the impact of regional events, combined with social barriers, the refugee crisis, and the carbon intensity of GDP, highlight the necessity for a transition to a green economy. Without this transition, Jordan risks increased emissions, water scarcity, and economic vulnerability. Green growth is a means to achieve sustainable and equitable increases in economic growth and living standards while curbing pollution and addressing energy security.
Policy Landscape: Laying the Foundation for Green Growth
Jordan’s national policies and strategies are creating the right environment for green growth to thrive:
- National Green Growth Plan (NGGP): This forward-thinking plan focuses on key sectors like renewable energy, water management, and waste reduction, driving sustainable growth in both urban and rural areas. The NGGP encourages a shift to greener industries and technologies, with a focus on resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
- Jordan Vision 2025: This long-term plan supports the green economy transition by prioritizing renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. By 2025, Jordan aims to expand its green economy, creating jobs and boosting the economy while reducing its carbon footprint.
National Adaptation Plan (NAP): Jordan’s plan to adapt to climate change is closely linked to green growth. It emphasizes the need for sustainable infrastructure, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and resilience to environmental shocks.
Green Growth Success Stories: Paving the Way for Sustainability
Jordan’s green economy is already seeing success in various sectors:
- Renewable Energy Projects: Jordan is fast becoming a leader in solar and wind energy. With groundbreaking projects like the Ma’an Wind Farm, the country is moving closer to its renewable energy goals.
- Water Conservation Innovations: The Jordan National Climate Change Adaptation Plan includes pioneering projects like wastewater reuse systems, helping address water scarcity while ensuring sustainable development.
- Sustainable Agriculture: In the agricultural sector, Jordan is promoting water-efficient farming methods and green technologies that enhance food production while conserving natural resources.
These projects are examples of how green growth strategies are not only helping protect the environment but also generating new economic opportunities for Jordanians.
Challenges: Overcoming Barriers to Green Growth
A key component of Jordan’s green growth strategy is financing. Currently, funding comes mostly from development banks and donor aid. However, there are opportunities to attract private financing due to the reduced costs of green technologies. Recommendations for financing include:
- Financing Green Projects: While development banks and donors are providing much-needed funding, more private sector investment is needed to scale up green initiatives.
- Technical Expertise: Jordan’s entrepreneurs and professionals need specialized training in green technologies and sustainable practices.
Infrastructure Gaps: The country must strengthen its infrastructure to support renewable energy, water management, and waste processing systems.
Opportunities for Green Growth
Jordan has tremendous opportunities to enhance its green economy through:
- Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration between the government and private sector will accelerate the development of green projects, ensuring sustainable growth across various sectors.
- International Collaboration: Working with international organizations can attract investment and expertise, positioning Jordan as a leader in the green economy.
Sustainable Innovation: Leveraging green technologies for climate adaptation, resource management, and waste reduction presents a powerful opportunity for Jordan to build a more resilient economy.
A key component of Jordan’s green growth strategy is financing. Currently, funding comes mostly from development banks and donor aid. However, there are opportunities to attract private financing due to the reduced costs of green technologies. Recommendations for financing include:
- Financing Green Projects: While development banks and donors are providing much-needed funding, more private sector investment is needed to scale up green initiatives.
- Technical Expertise: Jordan’s entrepreneurs and professionals need specialized training in green technologies and sustainable practices.
Infrastructure Gaps: The country must strengthen its infrastructure to support renewable energy, water management, and waste processing systems.
Financing the Green Future
As part of the green growth strategy, Jordan is exploring ways to increase private sector investment in sustainable projects. The Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF) and Jordan Environment Fund (JEF) are key initiatives helping drive green investments. Expanding these funds, along with new green finance programs, will provide the necessary capital to scale green projects and further develop Jordan’s green economy.
Conclusion
For Jordan’s green economy to thrive, continued investment, policy innovation, and collaboration between government, private sector, and international partners are essential. Now is the time to scale up efforts and cement Jordan’s role as a regional leader in sustainability.