Bright Words by His Majesty King Abdullah II
With one of the lowest water shares per capita in the world already, the challenge of covering the water needs of our people, as well as refugees, has become extremely dire. One vital mega-project we are hoping will alleviate this emergency envisions desalinating Red Sea water from the Gulf of Aqaba, and supplying it to major population areas.
At the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva
Switzerland Geneva
13 December 2023
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My friends,
Jordan contributes a slim 0.06 percent to global greenhouse gases, yet, we are greatly impacted by global climate change, which has caused threats to our scarce water resources, food sources, and eco-diversity.
Today, Jordan’s most ambitious and vital projects relate to water. A major national water project envisions desalinating Red Sea water from the Gulf of Aqaba and channelling it to major population areas.
At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) hosted by the United Arab Emirates
United Arab EmaritesDubai
01 December 2023
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We are sharing precious resources to help them meet basic needs— food, energy, and especially, water. We are among the water-poorest countries in the world, even as our water supplies face extraordinary demand.
And we face these pressures just when another crisis has hit our region—climate change, with its destructive heatwaves, drought and flooding.
At The Plenary Session of the78th General Assembly of the United Nations
USNew York
19 September 2023
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"...Our meetings here carry forward 30 years of progress in the fight against climate change. Consensus has grown; goals have been set; yet, the lethal dangers have been growing even faster. Every country is paying the price, and especially so, in the developing world
COP27 now has an urgent task—to kick-start a new level of climate action, transformative action, that can achieve tangible results, faster and more effectively.
This is Jordan's commitment. Climate change is no stranger to us. We share similar climate threats with our entire region. Our rainfall average has dropped by almost half its levels over the past five decades, while the water share per capita fell by nearly 80 per cent. The Dead Sea water levels are declining by three feet per year. Just around 7 per cent of the water now flows in the Jordan River, compared to its historic average. Oases with rich biodiversity have disappeared within a few decades, while climate change and zero sum policies are raising concern for the future of the Nile and the historic rivers of Mesopotamia"
Destructive climate change does not have to define our future. Today we have more expert knowledge, better practical tools, and more targeted approaches than ever before. The opportunities are immense, if we will grasp them. Let me briefly touch on two important drivers of success..."
Address by His Majesty King Abdullah II
At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) hosted by Egypt
EgyptSharm El Sheikh
07 November 2022
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Quotes by the speech of His Majesty King Abdullah II's delegate, His Highness, Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince, at the Green Middle East Initiative Summit
"Despite the challenges facing the Kingdom from the lack of water resources, which were exacerbated by the fact that we received many refugees influx during the past decade, we did not lose sight of the importance of preserving the environment in our national plans and strategies, as the green economy and climate action are integral parts of the growth powers that drive Jordan recently launched it within the vision of economic modernization for the next ten years, which we seek to achieve through effective partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally and internationally, and with the participation of youth and women.
Middle East Green Initiative Summit
held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt November 7, 2022
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COVID-19 has taught us all a lesson; we cannot keep neglecting nature and expect no consequences. At no time has practical, principled, global action been needed more, than at present, to save our environment,” His Majesty said.
“We must act, for our world is a gift, not for the people of one place and time, but for all generations and all life,”
King participates in UN Summit on Biodiversity
Amman
30 September 2020
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What will our world look like, if we do not work together for a healthy and safe environment? Water-scarce countries like Jordan already know the dangers of climate change. A global crisis demands global action. How can we excuse delay?
Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II
At the Plenary Session of the 74th United Nations General Assembly
USNew York
24 September 2019
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The subject of this conference is also the fight of our generation. The entire planet is endangered by climate change. Responding to individual crises as they arise is not enough. It is simply impossible. We must act collectively, with foresight, responsibility and determination.
All countries have a stake. My country is on the receiving end of this challenge in many ways: Jordan is already the second water-poorest country on earth. We import more than 90 percent of our energy.
on today’s trajectory, the challenges will increase exponentially. These harsh realities are why Jordan has been integrating energy and environmental approaches into a sustainable, long-term national development strategy. In 2013, we were the first in our region to produce a comprehensive, forward-looking National Climate Change Policy.
Jordan also looks to innovation for other solutions: Meeting our rising water needs through desalination — advanced water management technologies — moving forward with the Red-Dead Conveyance project, to provide fresh water while using brine to replenish and save the Dead Sea.
Climate change cannot be addressed in isolation. No geographical region, no economic sector can protect itself from the impact of global threats. To achieve the future we seek, there must be comprehensive, collective, sustainable global action — action that gets results. Jordan pledges our continuing cooperation, for our own people’s future, and the future of our shared world.
Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II
At the Leaders Event of the 21st Conference of the Parties
FranceParis
30 November 2015
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The environment is another pressing challenge. When fossil fuel was discovered over a century ago, there were only about one billion people in the world. There are now more than 6 billion, and fossil fuel is key to life on every continent. As a region endowed with energy resources in abundance, we must lead the way in discovering how to make those resources last longer and burn cleaner.
Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II
At the Opening of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East
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Attention to and preservation of the environment is a national duty; it must receive its due care and attention. Therefore, we hope your government will be concerned to preserve the nature and climate God has granted us and take environmental elements into consideration when formulating development plans and projects.
To Ali Abul Ragheb
19 June 2000
Translated from Arabic
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The environment is being damaged and it needs special attention that guarantees the development and application of legislation to protect the environment, to make available specialised and efficient personnel capable of carrying out serious fieldwork. We need to involve all private and public institutions and organisations in protecting soil, water and air from pollution, and protecting agricultural land from soil erosion and desertification. We need to protect nature reserves, create more forests, and undertake a comprehensive national reforestation effort.
To Abdul Raouf Rawabdeh
04 March 1999
Translated from Arabic
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