Jordan

Population (2018): 10,308,949 (estimates – National statistics)
Population (2015): 9,531,712 (census data – national statistics). This figure includes 2.9 million non Jordanians.
Population (2011): 6,993,000 (national statistics)
Population (2004): 5,597,000 (census data – national statistics)

Largest governorates (inhabitants), in line with national statistics:

• Amman (2004 census: 2,353,300; 2015 census: 4,007,526)
• Irbid (2004 census: 1,039,400; 2015 census: 1,770,158)
• Az Zarqa (2004 census: 801,500; 2015 census: 1,364,878)
• Mafraq (2004 census: 322,900; 2015 census: 549,948)
• Balka (2004 census: 288,700; 2015 census: 491,709)
• Al Karak (2004 census: 185,900; 2015 census: 316,629)

Annual population growth (2018): 2.5%
Annual population growth (2017): 2.4%                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Annual population growth (2015): 7,9%
Annual population growth (2011): 4.3%
Annual population growth (2004): 2.3%
Annual population growth (2000): 2.5%

Data from the Department of Statistics in Jordan, annual population growth calculated based on data by worldbank.

Jordan is one of the freest and most competitive economies in the Middle East, an emerging market with an upper middle income economy. The country’s free trade agreements, investment incentives, low transport costs for shipping to major markets and education reforms are the main source of robust expansion in recent years. However, scarce water supplies, complete reliance on oil imports for energy and regional instability still put weight on Jordan’s sustainable growth.

In 2015, 96.9% of the population has access to proper water sources and 98.6% to proper sanitation (Worldbank 2015). In 2013 Jordan generated 2.53 million tons of municipal solid waste (per person 0.81 kg/day on average, 0.95 kg/day in urban areas and 0.85 kg/day in rural areas) (Worldbank, 2018). The amount of waste is growing by 3% annually. Waste collection coverage in urban areas is about 90% and in rural ones around 70%. The final destination of collected waste is generally open-dumping (45%) and landfilling (48%), while there is also a 7% recycling rate (GIZ, 2014 – Country report on Solid Waste Management in Jordan).

Jordan’s energy consumption in the road transport sector amounted to 46% of its final energy consumption in 2016 (IEA Atlas of Energy) (2010: 39%, 2000: 34%), whereas energy consumption per capita according to worldbank data amounted to 928.5 kg of oil equivalent in 2014, against 1,164 kg in 2007 and 953.47 kg in 2000. Electricity consumption amounted to 1,900 kWh per capita in 2016 (IEA Atlas of Energy), against 1,830 kWh in 2009 and 1,290 kWh in 2000. After 2010, the share of the residential sector in the final energy consumption is relatively stable, ranging between 22-25% (IEA Atlas of Energy). In line with the same database, after a period of years where the share of renewables in the overall electricity generation was at very low levels, around 1%, in 2016 it reached 5% contribution.

According to IEA Atlas of energy figures, CO₂ emissions in Jordan were 2.52 metric tons per capita in 2016 against 3.1 metric tons in 2007 and 2.79 tons in 2000. CO₂ emissions in Jordan stem from the burning of fossil fuels and the manufacture of cement and include those produced during consumption of solid, liquid, and gas fuels and gas flaring.

A very interesting report, underlining key facts for the agriculture sector in Jordan, is available for download here.

Jordan nationally determines to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by a bulk of 14 % until 2030. This contribution of GHGs reduction will be unconditionally fulfilled at, maximally, 1.5 % by the Country’s own means compared to a business as usual scenario level.
However, Jordan, conditionally and subject to availability of international financial aid and support to means of implementation, commits to reduce its GHGs emissions by additional, at least, 12.5 % by 2030.
The outcome targets above are accompanied by a diverse combination of numerous GHGs cut-oriented actions in all involved sectors of emissions in addition to the adaptation actions in targeted sectors.
More info on Jordan’s NDCs.

In 2013 Jordan launched its National Climate Change Policy for 2013-2020, claiming it as a first of its kind in the Middle East. Jordan considers itself a leader in climate change, having presented the first UNFCCC report of all the non-Annex 1 countries that are parties to the treaty.
The plan aimed at the following long-term goals:

• To achieve a pro-active, climate risk resilient Jordan, while remaining a low-carbon growing economy with sustainable water and agricultural resources, healthy ecosystems and climate resilient communities.
• To build adaptive capacity of communities and institutions, increasing resiliency of ecosystems to climate change, especially in relation to water resources and agriculture.
• To prioritise both mitigation and adaptation to climate change, emphasizing on adaptation, given Jordan’s relatively low carbon-emitting economy and vulnerability to water shortages.

In the 2014 National Communication to the UNFCCC, a new vulnerability assessment was presented within a sophisticated framework of risk and capacity for climate resilience. The respective set of policy recommendations was focused on the following sectors: Water, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Coastal areas, Urban areas, Health and Local communities.