Adam-Bradford, A.; Schindler, Alexandra; Anagreh, Abdullah; Ruckstuhl, Sandra
In the past ten years, the Irbid Governorate in Jordan has undergone rapid urbanization, transforming from mountain villages and border towns to a bustling city. During this period, Irbid’s population has doubled due to the influx of people fleeing the Syrian War. As a result, the local authorities are facing significant challenges in managing this rapid growth. Compounding these challenges is the region’s vulnerability to water scarcity and the adverse effects of climate change on its food, land, and water systems. Additionally, Irbid and nearby border towns like Ramtha are exposed to the risks of flash flooding.
If left unaddressed, the combination of forced displacement and rapid urbanization will further strain the already-stressed urban infrastructure and natural resources in the area (see Figure 1). To develop sustainable solutions and build resilient futures, it is crucial to understand the interconnectedness of climate change, urbanization, and forced displacement, as well as their impacts. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Environment in Jordan and the Irbid Governorate have endorsed this research, which aims to provide evidence-based insights for the design and implementation of Jordan’s climate adaptation policy.
