Space and climate

The role of space science and technology in serving climate and sustainable development

Earth observation

Collecting accurate data on climate change via satellites

Weather and disaster forecasting

Improving the accuracy of forecasts and early detection of disasters

Scientific research

Developing sustainable solutions to climate challenges through space research

The Kingdom's most prominent efforts to address climate challenges

Saudi Vision 2030

Commitment to sustainable development and carbon reduction

Green Middle East Initiative

The initiative aims to plant 50 billion trees and restore 200 million hectares, contributing to a 2.5% reduction in global carbon emissions.

Saudi Green Initiative

It aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually, plant 10 billion trees, and protect 30% of the Kingdom's land and water by 2030.

Joining the Space Observation

Strengthening international cooperation to monitor climate change using satellites, with the aim of developing effective scientific solutions to combat climate change.

Launch Global Land Initiative

In partnership with the G20 and the United Nations, with the aim of reducing land degradation by 50% by 2040, and combating desertification and drought.

NEOM Clean Hydrogen Project

Building the largest clean hydrogen production facility with a capacity of 600 tons per day by 2026, to support the transition to a green economy and reduce emissions.

Increase protected areas

The area of protected areas has been quadrupled since 2016, with 1,200 endangered animals resettled in different regions of the Kingdom.

Restoring and greening deserts

Rehabilitating Thadiq National Park by planting 250,000 trees and converting 30% of the Kingdom's lands into nature reserves.

Host United Nations conference

To combat desertification, promote global dialogue on land restoration, reduce the effects of drought, and consolidate the Kingdom’s role in protecting the environment (COP16) at a global level.

Space experimentfor climate

During his 2023 mission to the International Space Station, astronaut Ali Al-Qarni experimented with artificial rainmaking. The technology was developed by Saudi Arabia to develop and increase the success rate of artificial rainmaking to over 50%. Cloud seeding is an advanced innovation for increasing the quantity and quality of rainfall. The goals of cloud seeding include: • Increasing rainfall levels • Promoting afforestation • Reducing desertification

Effectsof climate change

Climate change is a challenge that affects our lives. Impacts that scientists have long predicted are now a reality.

melting glaciers

Glaciers and ice sheets are melting at an increasing rate, threatening coastal areas and putting them at risk from rising sea levels.

Heat waves and drought

Unprecedented rise in temperatures affects agriculture and water.

forest fires

As temperatures rise, forest fires increase, causing animals and plants to lose their habitats, threatening the ecological balance.

tropical cyclones

Rising ocean temperatures increase the energy of hurricanes and water vapor, contributing to heavy rainfall.

The relationship between space technologies and climate

To combat climate change, we combine space technologies that play a critical role in understanding, monitoring, and analyzing climate on Earth. This provides us with powerful tools, such as satellites, that help us measure and understand the impacts of human and natural activities on climate, by:

1

Provides high-resolution images and data on cloud cover, atmospheric pressure, wind, temperature, and humidity.

2

Data is sent to ground receiving stations.

3

Ground stations analyze this data using advanced algorithms and meteorological models to predict the weather.

4

Forecasts are shared for advance preparation.

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