Enhancing Green Employment in Jordan: Challenges and Opportunities Towards a Sustainable Economy
Masarat Foundation for Development and Progress

1. Introduction

In recent years, the concept of sustainable employment has gained increasing attention as the world battles environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change. Sustainable employment, often referred to as "green jobs,” includes work that contributes to preserving or restoring the environment across industries such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. These jobs not only foster environmental sustainability but also provide opportunities for economic growth, social inclusion, and poverty reduction.

In Jordan, a country facing significant environmental challenges such as water scarcity, dependence on imported energy, and land degradation, transitioning to a green economy is particularly urgent. With a growing youth population, Jordan’s labor market must adapt to provide sustainable employment opportunities that address both economic needs and pressing environmental concerns.

This paper aims to explore the current state of green employment in Jordan, focusing on the challenges the country faces in expanding sustainable job opportunities and the potential benefits this transformation can bring. By examining barriers and opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and waste management, this paper will propose strategies to increase green employment in Jordan, contributing to both the country’s economic resilience and environmental sustainability goals.

2. The Context of Sustainable Employment in Jordan

· Socioeconomic Landscape and Employment Trends

• Jordan’s economy relies heavily on the service sector, with significant contributions from tourism, finance, and real estate, as well as agriculture and industry, particularly in rural areas.
• High unemployment rates persist, especially among youth, with rates reaching approximately 40%, and women facing additional structural barriers to entering the labor market.

· Environmental Challenges

• Water scarcity: Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world.
• Dependence on imported energy: Jordan imports 90% of its energy needs.
• Pollution and waste management: Urbanization has led to a significant increase in solid waste, which is poorly managed.

· The Importance of a Greener Economy

Transitioning to a green economy offers Jordan a pathway to address economic and environmental challenges simultaneously while creating new and sustainable job opportunities.

· Jordan’s Global Environmental Commitments

• Participation in the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The Jordan Vision 2025 plan calls for improved environmental sustainability and the expansion of green jobs
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• 3. Green Employment in Jordan: The Current State

· Renewable Energy

• Jordan has expanded projects like the Shams Ma’an Solar Plant and Al Quweira Solar Power Plant.
• Wind energy projects, such as the Tafila Wind Farm, have created employment opportunities.
• Small-scale solar energy adoption for homes and businesses is increasing demand for skilled technicians.

· Water Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture

• Adoption of drip irrigation systems and hydroponics to reduce water use.
• Programs promoting organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices create rural employment opportunities.

· Waste Management and Recycling

• Projects for waste-to-energy and improved recycling infrastructure are underway.
• Programs like the Amman Green Development Program support waste management and recycling initiatives.

· Eco-Tourism

• Conservation areas like the Dana Biosphere Reserve and Ajloun Forest Reserve employ locals as eco-tour guides and conservation workers.

· Government Initiatives

• Programs like the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF) provide financial support for renewable energy projects.
• The National Green Growth Plan outlines strategies to expand green employment.

4. Challenges to Expanding Green Employment in Jordan

· Economic Challenges

• Limited funding for green projects.
• Dependence on traditional industries like fossil fuels and outdated manufacturing.

· Educational and Skills Gaps

• Lack of specialized training programs for green industries.
• Low public awareness about the potential of green careers.

· Policy and Regulatory Barriers

• Insufficient incentives for businesses to adopt green solutions.
• Inconsistent enforcement of environmental regulations.

· Social and Cultural Challenges

• Resistance to change from traditional practices.
• Gender inequality limits women’s participation in green industries.

5. Opportunities for Growth in Green Employment in Jordan

· Renewable Energy

• Solar energy: Jordan’s high solar radiation levels provide opportunities for installation, maintenance, and engineering jobs.
• Wind energy: Expansion of wind farms can create jobs in construction and energy operations.
• Energy efficiency: Retrofitting buildings and modernizing infrastructure creates additional green jobs.

· Sustainable Agriculture and Water Conservation

• Promoting water-saving techniques like hydroponics and drip irrigation.
• Expanding organic farming to meet global demand for sustainable food products.

· Waste Management and Recycling

• Developing recycling centers and waste-to-energy projects to generate jobs in collection, processing, and repurposing waste materials.

· Eco-Tourism and Conservation

• Expanding eco-tourism in protected areas and promoting community-managed tourism initiatives.

· Public-Private Partnerships

• Encouraging collaboration with international organizations and private companies to attract investments and innovation.

6. Strategies to Expand Green Employment in Jordan

· Policy Recommendations

• Develop a national strategy for green jobs with clear targets and timelines.
• Offer tax incentives and subsidies to businesses adopting green technologies.
• Enhance enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure accountability.

· Education and Training

• Integrate green skills into school and university curricula.
• Expand vocational training programs focusing on renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture.
• Promote public-private partnerships for targeted skills development.

· Innovation and Technology Adoption

• Support research and development in green technologies.
• Facilitate technology transfer through international collaborations.
• Invest in digital solutions like smart grids and precision agriculture tools.

· International Cooperation

• Leverage funding and expertise from international organizations like the World Bank and UNDP.
• Adapt successful green employment models from other countries to Jordan’s context.

· Public Awareness and Community Engagement

• Launch national campaigns to promote the benefits of green jobs.
• Engage local communities in sustainability initiatives to create inclusive opportunities.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Green Employment in Jordan

By implementing targeted strategies, Jordan can take significant steps towards expanding green employment opportunities and building a more sustainable economy. Through supportive policies, investments in education and innovation, and international cooperation, Jordan has the opportunity to create thousands of green jobs that address environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.

Transitioning to a green economy will require coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society. With the right investments and policies, Jordan can emerge as a regional leader in sustainable employment, contributing to national resilience and global environmental goals.