RSCN hosts 10th town hall event for ‘Walk2COP27’

AMMAN — The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) on Monday hosted the 10th town hall event for the “Walk2COP27” initiative ahead of this year’s COP forum, in order to promote dialogue on climate change challenges and responses in the Kingdom.

Walk2COP27 is a mass climate action initiative in the run-up to COP27, according to the scheme’s website.

Speaking during a panel session, RSCN Chairman Khaled Irani pointed out that Jordan — despite already being a water scarce country — is experiencing more droughts that are adversely affecting its environment.

Fortunately, he noted that Jordan is making great strides in promoting a green economy. He also highlighted RSCN’s efforts to establish “a network of protected areas that safeguard the Kingdom’s biodiversity”.

Chairman of the Jordan Wind Project Company Samer Judeh talked about the inadequate global efforts to combat climate change, saying that “the world is not doing enough for climate change and environmental protection”.

Furthermore, Judeh, who is also the vice chair of EDAMA, said that “Jordan has come a long way in [using] renewables”, but there is also a serious need to raise awareness on energy efficiency.

“Jordan has political commitments and will support work [aimed at tackling climate change],” according to Head of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction at the UNDP Nidal Oran.

He said that one of the challenges inhibiting Jordan’s ability to address climate change is its limited capacity for integrated planning. 

Additionally, Oran mentioned that the UNDP is planning on promoting the green economy through a new project in Aqaba.

Nadia Al Saeed, CEO of Bank Al Etihad, reflected on the role of businesses in confronting climate change, emphasising the importance of “responsible financing and business modules”.