Challenges and opportunities of clean air zone planning: a case study of Amman, Jordan

Introduction Research has highlighted the importance of addressing air pollution in cities. Despite the emergence of various environmental strategies in developed contexts, implementation and research related to air quality management frameworks and clear air action plans in the Global South, and in the Arab region, is limited. In Jordan, current air quality management efforts are primarily constrained to monitoring ambient air quality. Accordingly, this research examines the barriers to implementing Clean Air Zones (CAZs) in Amman, Jordan. Methods The methodology utilizes document analysis and semi-structured interviews with city planning and air quality management stakeholders in the city. Results An assessment of current environmental, urban, and transportation action plans indicates that clean air strategies are not a priority within city planning processes and improvements to air-quality are mainly framed as a potential co-benefit of various climate adaptation and environmental strategies. Moreover, targeted place-based air quality interventions and action plans, such as CAZs, are limited. Interview findings illustrate how current pedestrian and public transit infrastructure in the city significantly impedes the implementation of CAZs' vehicle restriction measures. Other barriers include the potential lack of public support of vehicle restrictions, economic vulnerability of residents, limited public awareness of air pollution, and lack of technical and financial capacity of local authorities to implement diverse CAZ measures. Discussion The outcomes of this study offer valuable lessons to urban planners and local authorities considering various clean air strategies in developing contexts. The study highlights the need to further explore clean air management and action planning in cities facing similar conditions to Amman, particularly within developing and resource constrained contexts.