Jordan: environment

How serious is water scarcity in Jordan?

Jordan withdrew 105.2% of its available renewable freshwater resources in 2022, according to FAO data published by the World Bank. Renewable internal freshwater resources were 60.6 cubic metres per person in 2022.

The water stress indicator is used for Sustainable Development Goal 6.4.2. A value above 100% means that withdrawals exceed renewable supply, with the difference drawn from non-renewable groundwater or other sources. The Ministry of Water and Irrigation publishes the national water strategy.

Official sources: World Bank: level of water stress, Jordan · World Bank: renewable freshwater per capita, Jordan

What are the greenhouse gas emissions of Jordan?

Jordan emitted 34.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, according to the World Bank. CO2 emissions were 2.09 tonnes per person.

The World Bank takes the figures from the EDGAR database of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, which estimates emissions from energy, industry, agriculture and waste. Jordan's own inventories are reported to the UN climate convention by the Ministry of Environment.

Official sources: World Bank: total greenhouse gas emissions, Jordan · World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Jordan

What is the air quality like in Jordan?

People in Jordan were exposed to an average of 32.6 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre in 2023, according to the World Bank. The figure for 2022 was 33.3.

The estimate combines satellite data, ground monitors and models, weighted by where people live, and includes desert dust as well as pollution from traffic and industry. The WHO guideline for annual PM2.5 is 5 micrograms. Air quality monitoring is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 air pollution, Jordan

How much of Jordan's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources supplied 11.5% of Jordan's total final energy consumption in 2021, according to the World Bank, up from 10.7% in 2020.

The indicator comes from the Sustainable Development Goal 7 tracking data compiled by the International Energy Agency and the UN. It covers renewable electricity, and direct use of renewable heat and biofuels. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources sets energy policy and publishes energy sector reports.

Official sources: World Bank: renewable energy consumption, Jordan

What is Jordan's carbon footprint per person?

In 2024, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Jordan was 2.1 tonnes, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. The peak was 3.4 tonnes in 2005 and the low 1.9 tonnes in 2020. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.6 tonnes; Jordan is 15th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 100th of 186.

What are Jordan's total greenhouse gas emissions?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in Jordan at 34.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Jordan is 17th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 101st of 186.

How much renewable energy does Jordan use?

In 2021, the renewable share of final energy use in Jordan was 11.5%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.4%; Jordan is 5th highest of 22. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 138th highest.

What share of Jordan is covered by forest?

0.8%: that is forest area as a share of land in Jordan for 2024, according to the FAO. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 15th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.6%. Worldwide: 182nd of 190.

How polluted is the air in Jordan?

32.6 micrograms per cubic metre: that is average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Jordan for 2023, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Since 2005 it has ranged from 25.2 micrograms per cubic metre (2005) to 34.9 micrograms per cubic metre (2010). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre; Jordan is 14th highest of 22. Worldwide: 40th of 192.

How much of Jordan's land is protected?

5.4%: that is the share of land in protected areas in Jordan for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2013. It is 14th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 9.8%. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 164th highest.

What is water stress in Jordan?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 105.2%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 88.2% (2011) to 107.4% (2014). It is 13th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 116.7%. Worldwide: 16th of 175.