Author Archives: Refka Shaheen

About Refka Shaheen

Refka Shaheen is an environmental science student with a strong interest and commitment to areas such as environmental psychology, waste management, urbanization, environmental law, circular economy, and sustainability. She is in her final year of the environmental science program at the University of Malmo (Sweden) and is also a climate ambassador

Ethical and Religious Dilemmas Surrounding Stray Dogs and Cats in Jordan

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The growing number of stray dogs and cats on the streets of Jordan poses an increasing risk to public health, quality of life, and public safety. Incidents of dog bites among schoolchildren are rising, alongside the spread of zoonotic diseases, while national legislation prohibits the culling of these animals. Islam, which strongly influences citizens’ perceptions and interactions with animals, emphasizes compassion towards them, creating significant ethical dilemmas. Public frustration has led to cases of animal poisoning, prompting the Grand Mufti to issue a fatwa permitting the sterilization of aggressive animals. Although Islamic teachings uphold animals’ right to reproduce, distinctions are … Continue reading →

Environmental Impact of the Global Textile Industry and Jordan’s Transition Towards a Circular Economy

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Globally, approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are generated annually. The production of a single cotton T-shirt requires around 2,700 liters of water, while a pair of sneakers weighing 550 grams results in 7 kilograms of production waste. In 2022, an individual’s textile consumption demanded 323 square meters of land and emitted 355 kilograms of CO₂. In Europe alone, an average of 12 kilograms of textile garments are discarded per person each year. Due to limited reuse and recycling infrastructure, most of this waste is exported to Asia and Africa. In China, only 20% of the 26 million tons … Continue reading →

Al-Ghabawi Landfill in Jordan: Progress and Challenges

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Every day, 4,000 tons of waste, mostly municipal solid waste (MSW), is transported to Jordan’s largest and most modern landfill, Al-Ghabawi. Situated in a semi-arid desert area 40 km from Amman, the site encompasses a 2000 km2 area of land unsuitable for cultivation  with the nearest residential area 7 km away. Most of the waste  originates from Amman, with smaller quantities coming from Russeifa and Zarqa, collectively accounting for 50% of the country’s total waste. Specialized steel-wheeled tractors drive over  the waste heaps, compacting the material and removing oxygen, which subsequently  facilitates anaerobic decomposition. Of the nine landfill’s cells, cells … Continue reading →