Cost of Environmental degradation in Jordan

In a recent study conducted by the World Bank the economic cost of environmental degradation in Jordan was estimated to be 3.1% of GDP annually with a total of 205 million JDs as money lost estimated in five sectors.

The most significant impact on health and quality of life was caused by water pollution at an estimated cost of 0.71- 1.24% of GDP. Diarrheal illness and mortality which damage cost is estimated as 31 million JDs per year are caused by lack of access to safe potable water and sanitation, and inadequate domestic, personal and food hygine with most of the impacts imposed on children.

The damage cost of air pollution associated with mortality and morbidity is estimated at around 0.69% of GDP, while the cost of land degradation comes predominantly from rangeland degradation ( 0.46% of GDP and soil salinity ( 0.14% of GDP) The damage cost from inadequate waste collection, associated with reduction in land prices is estimated at 0.11% of GDP. Finally, the coastal degradation in Aqaba is assessed at around 0.09% of GDP.

Such values present a very important economic tool for justifying the vitality of environmental management and conservation as a means of economic sustainability as well as principles of conservation.