fr.euronews.com
EU Invests Heavily in Jordan's Water Security Amidst Global Scarcity
Facing a global water crisis, half the world's population lacks sufficient water, with Jordan among the most critically affected. The EU is heavily investing in Jordan's water infrastructure, including desalination and wastewater reuse projects, while exploring similar solutions within Europe, as climate change intensifies the issue.
- How are climate change and large-scale migration impacting water scarcity in Jordan, and what role does the EU play in mitigating these effects?
- The EU is heavily investing in Jordan's water infrastructure through grants and loans, funding projects like the Wadi al Arab II water plant, Irbid reservoir renovation, and wastewater treatment plant modernization for agricultural reuse. The "Aqaba-Amman" project, aiming to build one of the world's largest desalination plants, is crucial for Jordan's water security, as stated by the Jordanian Minister of Water and Irrigation.
- What immediate actions are being taken to address the global water crisis, specifically focusing on innovative solutions and large-scale projects?
- Half the world's population faces water scarcity, a figure projected to rise due to climate change, risking environmental damage, food insecurity, displacement, and conflict. Jordan, with only 61 cubic meters of water per capita annually, is among the three most water-stressed nations, far below the 500 cubic meter threshold. This is exacerbated by climate change and refugee influxes.
- What are the long-term implications of relying on desalination and wastewater reuse for water security, considering environmental and economic factors, and what role can technological innovation play?
- Europe is exploring unconventional water resources, mirroring Jordan's challenges. Desalination, though energy-intensive, is used in Spain, Cyprus, and Portugal, while Cyprus leads in wastewater reuse for irrigation, collecting 29 million cubic meters in 2023. The EU's upcoming water resilience strategy will promote efficiency, reuse, and circularity, including tackling water pollution with industry participation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a positive framing of EU involvement in water projects in Jordan and Cyprus. The success of these projects is emphasized, while potential drawbacks (e.g., energy consumption of desalination, environmental impact of brine discharge) are only briefly mentioned. The focus on the EU's proactive role might overshadow other contributing factors or challenges.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and informative. However, phrases like "megaproject" and descriptions such as Jordan being "one of the three poorest countries in water" might carry some connotations and could be replaced with more neutral alternatives. The overall tone is informative and objective, although it leans slightly positive towards the EU's initiatives.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on Jordan and Cyprus, and the EU's role in their water management. While it mentions the global water crisis, it lacks detailed analysis of other regions facing similar challenges. The omission of diverse perspectives on water scarcity solutions, beyond desalination and reuse, could limit the reader's understanding of the full range of approaches.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the EU's initiatives to improve water access and management in Jordan and Cyprus, including projects to build water treatment plants, renovate reservoirs, and promote water reuse. These actions directly contribute to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by increasing access to clean water and improving water resource management.