Whether your decision makers have already made up their minds to shift toward a greener economy and a greener growth, or are still studying their options on what is the best way to develop their brown economy, there is something they both have in common: the need to stimulate their economy by attracting or developing new investments and creating new jobs.
Regardless of which economic growth model you chose to adopt, green or brown, cites are considered to be a fundamental and essential economic driving force. Why? Because more than 50% of people around the world are currently living in major cities, and because the World Bank estimates that 80% of infrastructure investment in the next few decades will be first and foremost urban infrastructure. Additional studies have shown that more than 80% of energy produced globally is consumed by cities, and approximately 80% of all emissions and pollutants are produced as a result of human activities in cities. It is therefore no secret that cities will play a big role in the national economy of any country.
Promising new growth sectors for investments in cities range from energy, waste management, efficient mobility, green buildings, water and waste water management, etc.; the list is endless. For a country like Jordan, with a population of almost 7 million inhabitants, an annual growth rate at about 2.21, according to the World Bank a GDP growth rate of 3.3%, and an unemployment rate at around 30% it is obvious that a new stimulus to economic growth is essential to pull us out of the brink. Superimposing these economic challenges with acute water and energy shortages, the national outlook looks bleak. The UNEP released study “Towards a Green Economy in Jordan” explores potential solutions for Jordan. If the numbers presented in this green economy study are accurate, then we have no time to waste.
A country like Jordan with enormous challenges, on the one hand, influx of a large number of Syrian refugees, chronic water shortage and a looming energy crisis and on the other a sluggish economy and high unemployment, would have everything to gain from focusing on greening the way we manage and deal with our major cities. More than 3 million people currently live in our capital city Amman, equaling 50% of our population. Transforming it into a haven of safe, secure, healthy, vibrant and prosperous living and working environment, will not only be challenging but if done properly will ultimately be rewarding for not only the citizens of Amman and the private sector but also for our environment and natural resources. In other words, it’s a win-win-win situation where everyone gains.
City dwellers everywhere demand higher living standards, lower living costs and a healthier environment for their children to grow up in. The enormous responsibility placed upon decision makers, community leaders, mayors, and city managers to provide these necessities demands that they become more attentive to these needs when planning, building and managing cities. A sustainable economic growth will encompass all economic sectors including how cities expand their infrastructure, manage their waste, plan their transportation network, and develop their regulatory codes etc. If we are going to do it, then let’s do it right. Green growth will create new and sustainable business opportunities, generate new jobs and conserve our natural resources.
Let’s agree that a business as usual scenario is unacceptable today. Evidence and facts confirm that a shift towards a green economy is possible, with low-lying fruit existing for new investments to green our towns, cities and urban metropolises.
This is why this Eco-Cities Forum 2014 is so significant. Not only is it going to take place in one of the most stunning resorts in the Middle East and on the lowest natural place in the world but mayors, ministers, private sector investors, lending and donor institutions from all around the world will be present to talk about one thing and one thing only: what, why, where and how can we make our cities greener.
I look forward to welcoming you here in Jordan.
The 3rd Eco-Cities Forum will take place 18-20 October in the Dead Sea, Jordan. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.eco-cities.info/.