Dr. Osama “Moha’dNajeeb” Gazal

Whether we agree or disagree on the most controversial topic in the world today, and for decades—the phenomenon of climate change—the conversation, which began in the late 20th century, mostly revolved around global warming, the sinking of some oceanic shores and islands, and complex statistical models predicting it. However, the global tone has since softened. The discussion is no longer solely about global warming and melting Arctic and Antarctic ice but has become about something tangible for the public: the issue of extreme weather phenomena. This includes unusually high or low temperatures compared to what we are used to, as well as flash flood rainfall with high intensity over short periods. This necessitates responses that include enhancing the efficiency of structures and infrastructure to adapt and withstand these challenges...
However, we should not justify any failure in our management by blaming climate extremes, even though it is a reality. We do not disagree that it is a major challenge, especially for a country with limited capabilities. We know that adaptation and increasing resilience require feasible engineering studies accompanied by cost calculations that increase with the rise in precautions and requirements for enhancing durability and resilience...
The recent flash floods (Tuesday, 25/11/2025) have highlighted the weakness in our structures, our precautions, and the resilience of our infrastructure. The existing waste is increasing (especially the waste in infrastructure projects that are inappropriate and do not fulfill the engineering requirements required for sustainability and durability), while the problem of needing more sustainable infrastructure is escalating, which may consequently result in higher construction costs but greater longevity and less waste.
Jordan's infrastructure usually lacks environmental engineering studies, particularly those dealing with environmental applied engineering and climatic issues. Except for major projects such as dams and a few sensitive facilities, there are essentially no applied engineering studies to modify facilities and assess their risk tolerance... In the simplest example, streets accumulate rainwater in the winter, and most of the infrastructure deteriorates during the rainy season. So, what if climate change causes the rains to become more intense over shorter periods of time? Most projects in modern Middle Eastern and European countries are nearly equipped to resist and challenge dangers, but not at 90%, but at 70-80%, because the larger the percentage, the greater the cost....
However, in Jordan, this issue is unfortunately nonexistent... Unfortunately, it's all about quick responses and research studies to calculate probable flood volumes based on a specific rainfall intensity, with no genuine, applied engineering study producing conclusions that decision-makers can easily understand and apply. The scenario in our beloved city and all districts will continue in this manner due to the lack of adaptable applied engineering research and approved specifications based on the capabilities of the country or the involved municipalities and authorities.... If we asked any decision-maker or official about the readiness percentage for flash floods, they would stammer... because such a figure does not exist. They would be unable to claim that our infrastructure is 80% prepared to survive a storm with such-and-such precipitation... lack of research in this field makes this matter very difficult!!!
We expect that the relevant engineering organizations will consider the need to adjust to extreme weather events as well as the need to include specialists in finding long-term solutions. We pray to God that this rainy season will be fruitful, and that rainfall rates will rise beyond the long-term average in all our governorates, from the far north to the far south. May God safeguard Jordan, its leadership, and its people, and we beg God Almighty to bless our beloved Hashemite Jordan, as desired by His Esteemed Majesty King Abdullah the Second, with a renaissance in all disciplines, and that determination and motivation never waver.

*Water and environment applied engineering Expert