Riyadh, 14 February 2023 (TDI): Adel Aljubeir, Saudi Arabia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Climate Envoy met with Jennifer Morgan, State Secretary of Germany and Special Envoy for International Climate Action.
During the meeting, they discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of environment and climate change and ways to enhance them.
They focused on the Kingdom’s environmental programs, including the Saudi Green Initiatives. They also reviewed Middle Eastern Green Initiatives and related global activities.
Saudi Arabia-Germany Green Initiative
The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel launched the program in April 2021. The agreement supports renewable energy, reduces transportation emissions, and protects biodiversity in the two countries.
Under the agreement, Saudi Arabia will plant 10 billion trees over the next three decades. Germany will help Saudi Arabia construct renewable energy infrastructure.
The two countries will also collaborate to create new technology and innovative solutions for sustainable energy generation and distribution. They will develop innovative sustainable agriculture and waste management solutions.
Saudi Arabia and Germany have also launched a collaboration to address climate change. The partnership intends to lower greenhouse gas emissions and assist in the transition to a low-carbon economy on a global scale.
Saudi Arabian Climate Change
The Middle Eastern nation of Saudi Arabia has a desert environment. In recent years, the country has experienced the consequences of climate change.
As a result, temperatures are rising, and precipitation patterns are changing. Some of the specific impacts of climate change in Saudi Arabia include the following:
• Rising Temperatures: Saudi Arabia’s average temperatures are rising. The intensity of heat waves is increasing. In addition to harming the nation’s agricultural industry, this creates issues for humans and wildlife.
• Decreased Precipitation: Climate change also decreases rainfall. Insufficient rainfall is significantly impacting the country’s water resources. Water scarcity is affecting irrigation and drinking water.
• Dust Storms: Saudi Arabia’s dust storms are becoming increasingly frequent and intense. It is causing health issues for people and animals, visibility, and infrastructure damage.
• Increasing Sea Levels: The nation’s coastlines are susceptible to sea level rise. It can result in the destruction of coastal ecosystems and the eviction of communities.
Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative
Saudi Arabia is taking initiatives to combat the effects of climate change. The government has recently launched several green programs to encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly operations. These initiatives include:
• Renewable Energy: Saudi Arabia aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The country projects include the development of large-scale solar and wind energy projects.
• Electric Automobiles: The government encourages civilians to use electric vehicles through tax breaks, subsidies, and the construction of a charging infrastructure.
• Sustainable Structures: The Kingdom promotes the implementation of sustainable systems by adopting new building norms and standards emphasizing energy efficiency and environmentally friendly materials.
• Environmental Protection: The government has established protected areas and implemented conservation initiatives. It seeks to safeguard the nation’s natural resources and biodiversity.
• Waste Management: The country is investing in innovative waste management methods. Recycling and composting are two strategies to reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills.
These initiatives are part of the country’s more significant endeavor to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable development.
Saudi Arabia acknowledges the importance of addressing the issues posed by climate change. It is adopting a proactive approach to this subject.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia, EU collaborate to promote common objectives
Vision 2030’s Green Initiative seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and lessen its oil dependence. The project is assisting in climate change mitigation and environmental improvement.
