Saudi Arabia works to slow down climate change on April 22. This is reported by
Arab News.

The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable development, green energy and the preservation of natural habitats.

Reducing carbon emissions by 278 million metric tonnes annually by 2030 and attaining net zero by 2060 is a major objective. The Kingdom wants to reach this milestone by making investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.

The Kingdom is presently developing three wind projects, and the fourth, Dumat Al-Jandal, is already the largest wind farm in operation in the Middle East, with a 400-megawatt capacity. Additionally, 13 solar photovoltaic plants are run by Saudi Arabia. With a 1,500 MW capacity, the Al-Henakiyah project is currently under development and ranked among the top five largest solar farms globally.

Apart from wind and solar farms, the Kingdom is also constructing a carbon capture project at the Aramco Research Centre the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology.

While the carbon capture project seeks to absorb and store carbon dioxide in order to slow down global warming, the green hydrogen project will provide clean energy from renewable sources. Apart from the shift to sustainable energy, the SGI encompasses initiatives to counteract desertification, preserve biodiversity, and encourage eco-friendly behaviours like cutting down on manufacturing waste.

One approach to reducing commercial waste is the creation of economic cities and special economic zones. Policies and enterprises in the Gulf Cooperation Council region are starting to take an interest in them. Saudi Arabia is actively establishing economically independent cities.

The Kingdom’s initiatives, which are overseen by the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, are meant to draw in investment, foster economic expansion, and generate employment.

Four economic cities have been established by the Kingdom: Knowledge Economic City in Madinah, Jazan Economic City, the King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaid Economic City in Hail.

These economic cities will be able to enhance their environmental performance and support the Kingdom’s overall sustainable development by encouraging industry collaboration and resource sharing.

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