By Mohammad Ghazal

AMMAN - Environment experts, officials and NGOs will convene in Amman on November 8 for a conference seeking to raise awareness on climate change and environment-related issues ahead of December's UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

Jordanian stakeholders, along with the EU and other Arab countries will take part in the "Way to Copenhagen" conference, which functions as an opportunity for networking between key people working on environmental issues.

A deal is expected to be sealed at the December conference in the Danish capital with a view to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25-40 per cent by 2020 and by 80-95 per cent by 2050.

"Reaching the deal is very important for the earth and Jordan, which is affected by climate change," Environment Minister Khalid Irani said at a press conference on Tuesday.

The minister stressed the importance of the November meeting, noting that the Kingdom produces no more than 0.1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Climate change has led to rainfall in Jordan dropping annually by 5-20 per cent, and caused a 30 per cent reduction in the country's surface water resources. If climate change continues at its current pace, Jordan is expected to witness a 1-2°C increase in temperatures by 2030-2050, according to Environment Ministry data.

Jordan will benefit from the adaptation fund to be discussed at the Copenhagen conference, Irani said, noting that the Kingdom will carry out studies on conducting projects and apply to the fund for required finance.

Swedish Ambassador in Amman Charlotta Sparre, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said the impact of climate change is universal, knowing no boundaries and borders, and thus must be tackled through regional and global approaches and cooperation across borders.

"Action thus needs to be taken, both at the policy level and through involving local communities. Therefore, we all need to make a serious effort to save our own future and the future of our children, before it is too late for us to face the retaliation of nature," she said.

Sparre also commended the Kingdom's efforts in this field.

"We are pleased to note that Jordan is making serious efforts… in promoting green solutions and taking important steps to continue its development along a sustainable path."

Meanwhile, Danish Ambassador to Jordan Thomas Lund-Sorensen highlighted the significance of the December conference.

"Climate change is a fact. We cannot ignore that human activity and the burning of fossil fuels carries a major responsibility for this. We have to act through a firm global response."

According to the Danish diplomat, some 15,000 participants are expected to attend the December 7-18 Copenhagen conference.

"Our objective is to conclude a new, ambitious global agreement on climate change that includes all countries of the world and… ambitious targets for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions," said Sorensen, adding that preparations are under way to host the conference.

The EU will continue to support Jordan in implementing projects to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, Patrick Renauld, head of the European Commission Delegation in Jordan, told The Jordan Times at yesterday’s press conference.

He also stressed that the EU is ready to support eco-business in the Kingdom, adding that attracting investments in the sector is also important.

The “Way to Copenhagen” conference is organised by the Environment Ministry, in partnership with the Swedish embassy, the European Commission and the Jordan Europe Business Association.