Category Archives: Sustainable Development

Stepwells for Secure Water Supplies – Rediscover an Ancient Technology

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Stepwells are a remarkable and well-proven traditional water management practice, used in the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East, that deserves wider recognition and use. In this article, we will discuss the history and evolution of stepwells. Stepwells and steptanks have stairs leading from ground level to the bottom of a pool of water.[1] Stepwells cut into the rock or with a masonry or impermeable construction might better be known as steptanks or cisterns. The more important stepwells are porous and linked to the groundwater (aquifer). To build this kind of system the soil or rock type, depth to groundwater, … Continue reading →

Leveraging Microbial Biodiversity for Environmental Protection

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Microbial biodiversity, is a cornerstone of life on our planet. Microbes, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, protozoa and fungi, play critical roles in maintaining ecosystem health, driving biogeochemical cycles, acting as natural recyclers and supporting human life. Recently, the intersection of microbial biodiversity and environmental management has opened new avenues for addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and pollution. By harnessing the unique competences of microorganisms, biologists are developing innovative solutions that are both sustainable and efficient. Environmental Applications of Microbial Biodiversity Microbes are a treasure trove of genetic and metabolic diversity. Microorganisms, the first organisms on … Continue reading →

Re-thinking Sustainable Innovation: A New Development Discourse

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The climate change presents a challenge to science and policy makers to articulate a new discourse for  sustainable development. Although, the Middle East, the cradle of civilization, was  a fertile land, it was transformed by modern technology and new models of development into a vulnerable ecosystem. The Paradox The paradox is that we are witnessing high levels of poverty despite a growth in global GDP. Also, our natural capital is being degraded at an alarming rate. This is evident when we look at global indicators; i.e., the planet has lost half its mangrove in the last century, and about 70% … Continue reading →

Qanats: A Sustainable Water Management Tool For Arid Lands

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Qanats are a remarkable system for managing water without pumps and with minimal evaporation even when water is transferred over considerable distances. A mother well starts the qanat and then an underground canal set at a minimal pitch carries the water for many kilometers until it comes to the surface. Some qanats were 70 km or longer.[i]  The sizes of the tunnel and wells vary widely from narrow, barely large enough to fit a person, to substantial. In less consolidated materials the access shafts may need to be much larger. The spacing of the access shafts may be 20-150 m … Continue reading →

The Progress of Solar PV Sector in Jordan in 2024

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In 2024, Jordan made significant advancements in its solar photovoltaic (PV) sector, reflecting its commitment to expanding renewable energy and achieving greater energy independence. Below is an overview of the key developments and milestones: Installed Solar PV Capacity According to annual reports by Jordan’s grid operators, the total installed on-grid solar PV capacity reached 2,073.86 MW by the end of 2024. This capacity is divided as follows: Distribution System Operators (DSOs): 1,081.86 MW across 74,145 projects. Transmission System Operator (TSO): 992 MW. The largest DSO-managed installations were by: Jordan Electric Power Company (JEPCO): 591.44 MW (32,257 projects). Irbid Distribution Company … Continue reading →

An Interesting Approach to Combat Climate Change in the South Pacific

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New Zealand initiative named “Climate Shift” is a three-tiered approach being proposed to combat local climate change and in turn contribute to the global reduction plan to help protect our entire global environment. It focuses on addressing environmental issues on three fronts. The obvious and essential first step is to tackle the actual emissions with significant reduction. The next front is to engage with and seek support from independent organizations and governmental bodies while reaching out to the people of the land to get more engage and take responsibility. The final front is working with nature itself ensuring the sustainability … Continue reading →

How Towns Can Rebuild After a Wildfire

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Wildfires are horrific natural disasters that can devastate individual households and large communities alike. By definition, wildfires, also known as wildland fires, are known to ravage combustible wildland vegetation areas. Depending on the incident, a wildfire can destroy natural forests, negatively impact soil fertility and water cycles, or even threaten the health of those residing nearby the ignition point. In terms of cause, different events can ignite wildfires, ranging from human-caused to naturally occurring. Arson, equipment malfunctions (i.e., automobile accidents), unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and burning debris are all culprits of human-caused wildfires. On the other hand, natural fires result … Continue reading →

A Glance at Waste-Free Economy

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Growth from trashing the planet was never a clever idea and linear economics has now reached the end of the line. The ‘more is better’ economy does not need to be stimulated to grow nor constrained from growing. It needs to be entirely replaced by ‘positive development’ in which markets work to automatically, systematically make things better both locally and globally. The folly of endless resources extraction, endlessly unmet human needs and endless waste dumping can end. Linear economics can be replaced by ‘circular economics’. Waste-Free Growth Model A switch towards waste-free economy would preserve and regenerate material value and … Continue reading →

الفساد البيئي في نهج السلوك البشري والتنمية المستدامة

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قصاصة ورقية عبارة عن مسودة معلومات تُوجز جوانب حدث بيئي مهم وتُبرز في مفاصل أحداثه جهود نشطاء البيئة في أحد بلداننا العربية يعود تاريخها إلى بداية عام 2001 وجدناها بين صفحات كتاب «الثروة الطبيعية للأمم» أثارت اهتمامنا إذ تضم بين سطورها معلومات قيّمة للنشاط الاجتماعي البيئي وتحدد محاور مهمة للبحث في قضية «الفساد البيئي» التي تعد من أكثر القضايا المهمة في علم البيئة الحديث لارتباطها بمشكلات استنزاف الثروات الطبيعية وتدهور المعالم الرئيسية للنظم البيئية. معلومات القصاصة الورقية تولي أهمية بالخبر الذي تداولته في ذلك التاريخ وكالات الأنباء العالمية بشأن إطلاق سراح مجموعة من المدافعين عن البيئة، حكم عليهم بالسجن لرفعهم شعار … Continue reading →

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Jordan’s Energy Sector

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The energy sector is a vital pillar that directly impacts both society and the economy. With the continuous advancement of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of strategies aimed at improving optimal management, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing resource utilization. Furthermore, AI offers opportunities to foster cross-sector collaboration, leading to numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. In this context, Jordan has ratified an agreement on AI implementation in the planning and operation system for electrical loads. This initiative is part of a technical cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the Japan International Cooperation … Continue reading →

How Instagram Influencers Can Spur Your Green Initiatives

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Social media platforms are the space where you can spread awareness of initiatives and calls to action.  Instagram is one of those platforms where you can get a wide audience to pay attention to your green initiatives. It’s one aspect to get a wide audience, but the point of social media is to convert your audience into active participants of your initiatives and green programs, thereby contributing to results. That said, you might want to consider having partnerships with Instagram influencers. Instagram influencers are individuals who have a large following on the social media platform. With this, the green initiatives … Continue reading →

التسامح هدف سامي

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تطوي البشرية ببزوغ فجر اليوم الاول من عام 2022 صفحة عام مليء بالمآسي، المآسي التي صنعتها النفوس الشريرة وعم بسببها الدمار في البقاع المختلفة من العالم وتدهور بفعلها النظام البيئي لكوكب الارض بيتنا المشترك، وخسرت البشرية بسببها مقوماتها الاقتصادية والمعيشية، وتوسعت قاعدة اللاجئين وجيش الفقراء والمعوزيين، ودفع ذلك الواقع العقول الحكيمة في رفع قامة دعوتها لتبني الحكمة كموروث انساني في معالجة الخلافات بين الجماعات والمجتمع البشري، وثقافة التسامح القيمة الانسانية التي يمكن الاحتكام الى قيمها وعقيدتها وهي القيمة الكفيلة في جعل المجتمعات تعيش في أمان وسكينة. التعايش بين المخلوقات صفة تتميز بها الكائنات الحية في محيطها الكوني، وهي أكثر رقيا … Continue reading →