Amman, April 22 (Petra) -- Jordan joined countries around the world in marking Earth Day, an occasion that renews emphasis on protecting the environment, preserving natural resources and strengthening national and international efforts to address climate change and achieve sustainable development.

Specialists told Petra that Earth Day represents an important milestone for raising environmental awareness at a time of mounting challenges linked to climate change and resource scarcity, stressing that the current phase requires intensified national efforts, a faster transition toward sustainable development models, and stronger partnerships across sectors to safeguard the environment and ensure resource sustainability for future generations.

In this context, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment Omar Arabiyat said the global occasion provides an important opportunity to promote environmental awareness and highlight the need to preserve resources for current and future generations. He noted that the celebration comes as the world faces growing challenges, most notably climate change, desertification, land degradation and air and water pollution, underscoring the need for collective national efforts and joint action to protect the environment.

He added that the ministry is working within a comprehensive national vision to improve environmental conditions in the Kingdom by developing policies and legislation and strengthening environmental monitoring and inspection across sectors to reduce sources of pollution and ensure compliance with approved standards, with positive impacts on public health and the preservation of natural resources.

Arabiyat said the ministry is implementing national plans to adapt to the impacts of climate change, alongside supporting projects to reduce emissions, expand renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, as well as promoting a shift toward a green economy and encouraging investment in sustainable environmental projects.

He pointed to efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems through support for programs safeguarding natural areas and cooperation with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, in addition to projects to rehabilitate environmentally degraded areas.

He also highlighted ongoing work in waste management through the implementation of the executive program of the National Cleanliness Strategy to reduce random dumping and improve collection and treatment services, along with promoting source separation and encouraging recycling in cooperation with the public and private sectors.

Arabiyat stressed the importance of enhancing environmental awareness across all segments of society through awareness campaigns and school and university activities, underlining that environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring commitment to positive behaviors.

Shorouq Abu Taleb, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, said climate change is no longer a future challenge but a daily reality, particularly in the Middle East, one of the most vulnerable regions due to limited resources, water scarcity and rising drought levels.

She said Jordan is particularly affected by these challenges as one of the world’s most water-scarce countries, with implications for water and food security and key sectors, stressing that addressing climate change is both a national security and development priority that requires more efficient resource management and a faster transition to clean energy.

Abu Taleb added that Jordan is committed to implementing its pledges under international agreements, foremost the Paris Agreement, by developing national policies and strengthening climate governance, alongside progress in renewable energy, sustainable transport and adaptation in the water and agriculture sectors.

She said the ministry continues efforts to integrate environmental considerations into development plans, promote the circular economy, and ensure sustainable waste management, in addition to developing environmental monitoring systems, expanding the use of digital solutions, and mobilizing international financing to support priority environmental projects.

Water expert and diplomat Maisoun Al-Zoubi said Earth Day is an important opportunity to reinforce environmental awareness locally and globally by highlighting issues such as climate change, pollution and the depletion of natural resources, while promoting a culture of environmental responsibility among individuals and institutions.

She added that the occasion encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, such as rationalizing water and energy consumption and reducing waste, as well as strengthening volunteer work and community initiatives, including tree-planting and clean-up campaigns.

Al-Zoubi stressed that climate change represents a strategic challenge for Jordan in light of limited water resources, rising temperatures and fluctuating rainfall, which affect key sectors, particularly agriculture, water and energy. She said Earth Day underscores that environmental protection is a collective responsibility requiring coordinated efforts among governments, the private sector and civil society to ensure a more sustainable future for coming generations.

//Petra// AF