Jordan is grappling with a severe climate crisis that is straining its limited water supply, driving record-breaking heatwaves, and deepening socioeconomic vulnerabilities, scientists and government reports warn. Experts say urgent, coordinated adaptation strategies are needed to protect the country’s water security, public health, and agricultural productivity.
Heatwaves on the Rise, Water on the Edge: Jordan’s Brewing Crisis
In August 2025, Jordan experienced unprecedented nighttime temperatures exceeding 35°C in areas like Ghor es-Safi and Aqaba, with Amman recording lows of 31.8°C. Daytime temperatures reached nearly 50°C, with Aqaba hitting a national record of 49.6°C. These extreme heat events are linked to climate change and pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations without access to cooling systems
Concurrently, Jordan’s water stress level reached 104.31% in 2020, indicating that the country’s water demand exceeds its renewable supply. The Fourth National Communication on Climate Change highlights that droughts, combined with increased population and economic growth, have exacerbated water scarcity, affecting agriculture and daily life.
Jordan’s Agriculture at Risk: Climate Change Drives Water Scarcity, Soil Degradation, and Falling Crop Yields
Climate change is posing a serious threat to agriculture and food security in Jordan, a country already struggling with severe water scarcity and arid conditions. The combination of rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall is reducing the availability of water for irrigation, particularly in the 61% of cultivated land that relies on rainfed agriculture, leading to lower crop yields (FAO).
At the same time, soil degradation and increasing salinization, driven by altered precipitation patterns and higher temperatures, are diminishing soil fertility and further undermining agricultural productivity (Greenpeace). Together, these factors jeopardize the sustainability of Jordan’s farming systems and threaten the stability of its food supply, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive measures to safeguard both livelihoods and national food security.
Vulnerabilities and Socioeconomic Impacts of Climate Change in Jordan
Jordan faces heightened socioeconomic vulnerabilities due to the combined pressures of climate change, population growth, and refugee influx. According to the country’s Fourth National Communication, the arrival of large numbers of refugees intensifies demand on already scarce water and land resources, stretching the nation’s capacity to manage environmental stress.
Complementing this, a 2025 study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that rising temperatures, water scarcity, and land degradation are driving internal migration, straining urban infrastructure, and undermining agricultural productivity. These climate-induced challenges also have public health implications, including increased risks of heat-related illnesses and disease spread. Together, these factors illustrate how environmental, social, and economic pressures intertwine, highlighting the urgent need for integrated adaptation strategies to build resilience across communities in Jordan.
National Adaptation and Policy Responses
In response to mounting climate pressures, Jordan has implemented comprehensive policy frameworks to strengthen resilience and integrate climate considerations across development sectors. The National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the 2022–2050 Climate Change Policy, developed by the Ministry of Environment, provide strategic guidance for sustainable resource management, risk reduction, and sector-specific adaptation measures. These frameworks prioritize the alignment of national development goals with climate adaptation strategies, ensuring that agriculture, water management, infrastructure, and energy sectors are better prepared for climate-related challenges.
In parallel, the health sector has received targeted attention, with the Ministry of Health launching the National Climate Change Health Adaptation Strategy for 2024–2033. This strategy focuses on mitigating climate-induced health risks, including heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases, by enhancing public health preparedness, promoting early warning systems, and improving access to preventive services. Together, these policies represent Jordan’s multi-sectoral approach to climate adaptation, emphasizing proactive planning and resilience-building to safeguard both people and natural resources.
Conclusion
Jordan’s climate crisis is multifaceted, impacting water resources, public health, and socioeconomic stability. While national policies and strategies are in place, their successful implementation will require sustained commitment, international cooperation, and community engagement to build resilience and ensure a sustainable future for all Jordanians.
