Signs are here, so should be plans

The National Communication on Climate Change has just issued a new warning to Jordan, predicting that global warming can be expected to cause a steady increase in temperature, more dry spells and a dramatic drop in precipitation during the coming decades.

Temperatures are projected to increase by 1.5 to 2.5 degrees centigrade by 2050, especially in the south and east of the country where precipitation can also decrease by up to 30 per cent.

The year appears distant in the future, and this might encourage authorities, and the people, to be lax regarding preparations for such possibility.

In its third report, the NCCC called on Jordan to be prepared by harvesting and conserving water, and also by changing or modifying cropping patterns in order to minimise the impact of climate change on the country.

Jordan now has this early warning and knows what to expect over the coming decades. Its officials should not put off preparations for the worst.

Signs have been showing across the globe, with weather playing havoc with people’s lives.

In Jordan’s case, building more dams to conserve rainwater is one solution.

Requiring all newly built houses to have a system to collect rainwater and store it in cisterns is another.

Speeding up the much talked about Red Sea-Dead Sea water conveyance project is another way to address water shortages in the long term.

Likewise plans for Dead Sea-Mediterranean Sea project should see the light of day before the climate changes set in with destructive consequences.

Of course, investing in more sources of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, could better prepare the Kingdom for a future with lack of water.

Officials and specialists should do whatever it takes way ahead of time.

Long-term plans should be in place to deal with the outcome of climate change. There will be no excuse for being taken “by surprise”.