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Jordan: Water Scarcity: Difference between revisions
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Over drawing on aquifers has led to the drying up of a large percentage of aquatic ecosystems in Jordan. The Azraq Oasis – a wetland of international renown – dried up in 1985 as a result of its over exploitation for domestic and agricultural purposes.<ref name="Mohsen" /> Growth in human settlements has adversely affected natural streams and springs and often led to their extinction through overuse. To make up for the loss, wells were dug to extract renewable and non-renewable groundwater, but which has led to a reduction in the water table and increased salinity, while wastewater from human activity has resulted in contamination of groundwater resources. | Over drawing on aquifers has led to the drying up of a large percentage of aquatic ecosystems in Jordan. The Azraq Oasis – a wetland of international renown – dried up in 1985 as a result of its over exploitation for domestic and agricultural purposes.<ref name="Mohsen" /> Growth in human settlements has adversely affected natural streams and springs and often led to their extinction through overuse. To make up for the loss, wells were dug to extract renewable and non-renewable groundwater, but which has led to a reduction in the water table and increased salinity, while wastewater from human activity has resulted in contamination of groundwater resources. | ||
At the same time we should be careful to remember, however, that it is not Jordan’s natural birth rate that is producing population growth, but rather the state’s generosity as a host to the many refugees fleeing the numerous conflicts in the region. According to planning figures published by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Jordan will be host to nearly 900,000 refugees by the end of 2013.<ref>UNHCR, 2013 UNHCR country operations profile – Jordan [online] [cit 5.11.2013] available from http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e486566.html<ref | At the same time we should be careful to remember, however, that it is not Jordan’s natural birth rate that is producing population growth, but rather the state’s generosity as a host to the many refugees fleeing the numerous conflicts in the region. According to planning figures published by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Jordan will be host to nearly 900,000 refugees by the end of 2013.<ref>UNHCR, 2013 UNHCR country operations profile – Jordan [online] [cit 5.11.2013] available from http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e486566.html</ref> | ||
==Resources== | ==Resources== | ||