Aserious crisis seems to face Jordan in view of the continuing dry weather this winter season, the time when most of the rain usually falls in the country.
The culprit, according to climatologists, is the impact of the global climate change that shifted rainfall patterns in the region.
In the Strategic Foresight Group’s report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water”, due to be officially launched in February, a dire prediction is made by experts: that changes in climatic patterns will result in shrinking rivers, desertification, receding groundwater levels and shifting rainfall patterns, especially in the Middle East.
In the report, it is projected that Jordan will be severely impacted by climate change. A foretaste is already in evidence: it has been the driest winter in 12 years, according to the Meteorological Department.
Lack of water means increased desertification, crop failure all around, dramatic depletion of aquifers, vast reduction of natural pastures, over and above serious water shortages for industrial and private use.
Experts are trying to go over several climate change models to determine how Jordan can prepare for the worst, but unfortunately the country has very few options, most of which are difficult to implement or not affordable.
A quicker transfer of Disi waters to the central regions of the country, and working more expeditiously and diligently to implement the Red-Dead canal are handy solutions. Costly, but offering at least temporary relief.
Beyond the solutions clearly identified, which are long in the making, there is not much we can do. Except for hoping that regional cooperation will come about, for it is the only solution that can go a long way towards lessening the effects of lack of rain.
