In recent years, Saudi Arabia has launched an important energy transition plan, in anticipation of the exhaustion of oil resources and to face the climatic challenges that concern the whole world. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who aims to transform the petrostate’s economy and society, announced at the end of March a plan to plant 10 billion trees over the next few decades.Bin Salman’s goal is to increase the area covered by trees by twelve times. “The kingdom is determined to have a lasting global impact,” said the crown prince.
However, large-scale projects that modify the natural environment should be executed with care. For example, the change in rainfall could influence native species of plants and animals.”The climate in Saudi Arabia will not change by planting trees,” said Nadim Farajalla, director of the climate change and environment program at the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who aims to transform the petrostate’s economy and society, announced at the end of March a plan to plant 10 billion trees over the next few decades.
Bin Salman’s goal is to increase the area covered by trees by twelve times. “The kingdom is determined to have a lasting global impact,” said the crown prince.However, large-scale projects that modify the natural environment should be executed with care. For example, the change in rainfall could influence native species of plants and animals.”The climate in Saudi Arabia will not change by planting trees,” said Nadim Farajalla, director of the climate change and environment program at the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut. Saudi Arabia wants to be at the forefront of the fight against global warming
At the moment, few details have been provided on the massive planting project. Planting 10 billion trees in a country that has the third-lowest rainfall in the world raises concerns about the feasibility of the project, especially considering the country’s track record in water management. trees will not use groundwater or water produced in fossil fuel-fired desalination plants. The project will be based on treated water and renewable water sources such as rainwater, seawater, and the sowing of clouds.At the bottom of the tree planting program in Saudi Arabia is the renewed interest in the energy transition. The Saudi country wants to reduce its carbon footprint and position itself at the forefront of the fight against global warming.
