JEDDAH: A landmark report released during the Middle East and North Africa Climate Week, which ran from 8 to 12 October, highlights the challenges Saudi Arabia may face in a 3 degree Celsius warming world.
The report, entitled Climate Futures Report: Saudi Arabia in a 3 degree warmer world, highlights the stark reality that Saudi Arabia is witnessing climate change at an accelerated rate compared to other regions.
The 133-page paper was developed through the joint efforts of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), AEON Collective and King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC).
The report noted that while the global average temperature is potentially on track to increase by nearly 3°C by the end of this century, compared to the pre-industrial period of 1850-1900, the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia, could experience this change. much earlier.
The exact outcome depends heavily on specific socioeconomic and emissions scenarios, highlighting the important relationship between policy choices, socioeconomic growth, and climate change.
Under the most extreme scenario, temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula could rise by 5.6°C by the end of the century, the report said.
Matthew McCabe, a professor at KAUST who served as coordinating editor, emphasized the need for this review.
“The Climate Future Report fills a large gap and offers a comprehensive overview of the interconnected and cascading consequences that climate change will have on various sectors of Saudi society, including the degradation of natural ecosystems, increasing stress on the urban environment and direct impacts. on human health,” he said.
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Princess Mashael AlShalan of AEON Collective and one of the authors of the report added: “Climate change is not only a challenge to our environment, it affects every aspect of our lives, our health, food, water and also our economy. Our actions today will determine whether we can meet these challenges or face irreversible damage.”
The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of climate change on the diverse habitats of Saudi Arabia. Marine systems face considerable stress, with phenomena such as coral bleaching still prevalent.
Deserts may expand further due to erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and overgrazing, posing a threat to native vegetation and wildlife.
Human health impacts will also be more pronounced, with deteriorating air quality exacerbating respiratory problems and growing concerns that climate change may lead to more favorable conditions for vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
However, the report emphasizes that many of the negative consequences of climate change can still be averted.
In recent years, we have witnessed Saudi Arabia’s willingness to pursue transformational change with a primary focus on the protection, conservation and restoration of natural capital.
With its vast solar potential, commitment to economic diversification under Saudi Vision 2030, and strategic importance in the global energy market, the Kingdom is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
