Greening KSA will help us face environmental challenges

The transition to green is seeing a more comprehensive range of new goals and targets, including the Saudi Green Initiative that aims to “improve quality of life and protect future generations.”

Since the environment is something we should consider a priority, the SGI has taken vital steps to ensure we can meet its targets by working on projects that lead us to achieve our vision.

Greening Saudi Arabia could also be an asset in the fight against the environmental crisis we are trying to avoid.

We have seen recently the impact of climate change on the environment. It has become a global issue that must be addressed by taking concrete action to protect our planet’s climate and wildlife to ensure a healthy future.

Many experts have warned that climate change can lead to irreversible environmental damage if not taken seriously. It’s been a long time since scientists first raised awareness of this issue, but we have only started to realize the extent of its effects. We also clearly understand how ignoring the current signs will affect us in the long run.

To make an impact, the SGI, through its programs, delivers solutions to climate crises, setting targets such as achieving net zero, turning the desert green, and protecting wildlife — ambitious targets for an ambitious nation.

Many innovative technologies will be implemented to help reach these targets, such as cloud seeding to increase rainfall, which will contribute to the growth of plants around the country and enable better weather regionally.

The SGI looks to make a tremendous impact, not only in the Kingdom but also the entire Middle East and North Africa region.

The Saudi Green Initiative has taken vital steps to ensure we can meet its targets by working on projects that lead us to achieve our vision.

Along with the Middle East Green Initiative, we have seen Saudi Arabia work cooperatively to set a global target to plant 50 billion trees, enabling us to achieve 5 percent of the global target for afforestation. Although it is, without a doubt, one of the most challenging plans, the Kingdom has shown that with passion and commitment, it has what it takes to make it happen.

Now that we know what steps to take to restore climate stability, we are heading on a clearer path.

Evolving the Kingdom’s environment is arguably one of the most complex challenges to take on. If done properly, the change will help ensure that even wildlife can thrive in a place that used to be a desert.

When it comes to nature, there is much work being done to protect terrestrial and marine areas by partnering with many international organizations to develop programs to protect wildlife, monitor areas, and track impact.

The SGI is not just an initiative to elevate the Kingdom’s beauty by making it greener. It is a mission that must be taken seriously to ensure a sustainable future for the generations to come.

Saudi Arabia has taken the lead in climate action through multiple programs to combat increasing carbon emissions. We will use carbon capture to produce chemicals and synthetic fuels by 2030 and enhance the Saudi Energy Efficiency Program by 2025. These projects will help us to pursue our vision realistically, showing how far ahead we are.

Today we are seeing the rise in demand for renewable energy as one of the strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy has stepped into the game by introducing a transition to sustainable energy resources that will allow us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia has shown progress and growth in this area toward reaching net zero by 2060. With the Ministry of Energy showing its dedication through the many efforts put into initiatives, programs, and projects, net zero looks much more achievable.

Setting specific goals sounds easy, but reaching them requires much effort and a well-planned framework.

The Kingdom’s plans will hopefully encourage more progress from other countries to ensure we reach the future we hope to see. This is the beginning of the next chapter in building a future which is yet to be realized.

• Ritaj Hussain Al-Hazmi is a young columnist and author, and Guinness world record holder. She believes in showcasing the new generation’s potential.