How Climate Change is Exacerbating Water Scarcity in the Refugee Camps (A Case Study on Al Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan)
摘要
Around the world, two billion people still lack access to clean drinking water, as reported in the 2024 SDG Report United Nations, 2022). Simultaneously, UNHCR’s latest statistics May 2024 reveal that 43.4 million individuals are displaced as refugees, many of whom face daily struggles to secure safe water, one of the basic needs for any human. These conditions often lead to illnesses and hardships that compound their difficult circumstances (UnitedNations, 2022). This paper discusses the water problem in the Al Azraq refugee camp located in Jordan as a case study, knowing that Jordan is one of the hosting countries for refugees and one of the countries that suffer from water scarcity, and with climate change, the problem is increasing (Al-Najjar, 2023). This study explores how lowering rainfall, rising temperatures, and frequent droughts, key characteristics of climate change, further strain the camp’s limited water resources. By examining local climate data, groundwater depletion, and the challenges of maintaining water infrastructure, we uncover the vulnerabilities faced by those living in the camp. The methodology in the paper leverages existing datasets to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of climate change on water scarcity in Al Azraq Refugee Camp, by focusing on secondary data. Moreover, this approach enables a broader contextual understanding by integrating insights from multiple reputable sources. In addition, this paper sheds light on the human consequences of water scarcity, the spread of water illnesses and hardships, the stress on communal relationships, and the daily struggles of those trying to survive. The findings emphasise the urgent need for compassionate and effective water management and climate adaptation strategies to protect the dignity and well-being of refugee communities. Through this work, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the human impact of climate change and offer an understandable meaning for those working to alleviate water scarcity in refugee settings.