Solving Air Pollution: Saudi Arabia's Clean Air Strategies

Air pollution in Saudi Arabia is a pressing issue, with the country ranked 37th out of 98 in a list of the world's most polluted countries. The main sources of air pollution in Saudi Arabia are emissions from vehicles, industrial waste, and natural occurrences like dust storms. The consequences of this pollution are severe, with air pollution contributing to approximately 10% of annual deaths in the country through respiratory, cardiovascular, and other diseases. To address this issue, Saudi Arabia has implemented policies such as the Ambient Air Standard, which aims to reduce harmful emissions, and has committed to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2060. Other solutions include improving public transportation, encouraging the use of electric motors, and planting trees as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.

Reduce emissions from vehicles and industry

As one of the world's leading oil exporters, Saudi Arabia's oil production and urban activities contribute to high carbon emissions and air pollution. The country has a high standard of living, with affordable gasoline and a culture of private transport. This, combined with a high population of young people who can afford large, powerful cars, has led to an increase in vehicles on the road and, subsequently, air pollution.

To reduce emissions from vehicles, Saudi Arabia could remove subsidies and increase taxes on fuel to reduce consumption and generate revenue to improve public transportation services. The country could also encourage the use of unleaded and natural gas fuels, as well as the adoption of catalytic converters and fuel-saving technology, to decrease air pollution and the exploitation of non-renewable fuels.

Large manufacturing industries could also be incentivized to use more sustainable methods of transporting their finished products, such as small-scale trucks with efficient, energy-saving electric motors.

To address industrial emissions, the Saudi Arabian government has implemented policies such as the Ambient Air Standard, which restricts the amount of emissions companies can produce. This has led to a positive effect on reducing air pollution, with a notable decline in volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has committed to the Saudi Green Initiative, which includes a pledge to plant 10 billion trees in the country, with 7.5 million in Riyadh. This project aims to reduce the city's energy consumption and promote healthier lifestyles for its residents.

Improve public transportation services

Saudi Arabia is one of the world's top oil producers, and its large young population can afford to buy expensive cars with powerful engines. This has led to a high level of carbon emissions, contributing to air pollution. The country's air quality is considered unsafe, with the annual average concentration of PM2.5 at 88 µg/m3, more than eight times the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3.

To address this issue, Saudi Arabia should focus on improving public transportation services to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. This can be achieved by:

• Investing in a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transport system: This could include electric buses, trains, and trams. By providing a convenient and reliable alternative to private cars, the government can encourage more people to use public transportation, reducing vehicle emissions.
• Integrating different modes of transportation: Developing an integrated transport network that connects buses, trains, and trams can make public transportation more attractive and efficient. This includes improving first-and-last-mile connectivity, such as providing feeder bus services to and from train stations.
• Encouraging the use of clean and renewable energy sources: Saudi Arabia can promote the use of electric or hydrogen-powered buses and offer incentives for people to purchase electric or hybrid vehicles. This will help reduce emissions from the transport sector.
• Improving the affordability and accessibility of public transportation: Making public transportation more affordable, with options like discounted passes for students, seniors, and low-income individuals, can encourage its use. Additionally, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to public transportation can increase its usage.
• Optimising routes and schedules: Analysing traffic patterns and passenger demand can help optimise public transportation routes and schedules, making them more efficient and convenient for commuters. This includes providing late-night services and extending routes to cover more areas.
• Promoting public transportation through awareness campaigns: Educating the public about the benefits of using public transportation, such as reduced traffic congestion and environmental impact, can help change people's mindset and encourage a shift from private car usage.

By implementing these strategies, Saudi Arabia can improve its public transportation services, reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and ultimately contribute to lowering air pollution levels in the country.

Reduce fuel consumption and promote clean energy

Saudi Arabia has a history of dependence on oil resources, which has contributed to global climate change. However, the country has recognised the need to transition to renewable energy sources and reduce its fuel consumption.

In 2015, the Saudi Center for Energy Efficiency at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology launched a four-week campaign to reduce fuel consumption, targeting drivers. The campaign aimed to encourage drivers to choose vehicles that consume less fuel and followed earlier initiatives focused on reducing energy consumption in buildings and industry. The government also signed a deal with 78 vehicle manufacturers to introduce more fuel-efficient small cars, with the goal of reducing consumption in the road transport sector.

Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets for renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions under its Vision 2030 plan. The country aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 and targets 50% renewable energy by 2030. To achieve these goals, Saudi Arabia is focusing on economic diversification, global engagement, and enhanced quality of life. The electricity sector is central to decarbonisation efforts, with a target to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030.

The country is also exploring the potential of solar and wind power. The Middle East has great potential for solar energy due to its abundance of light and open land, and Saudi Arabia is leading the way in the region with projects like the Al Henakiyah solar plant, which could become one of the world's largest solar power plants. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is home to the largest wind farm in the Middle East and plans to continue expanding this sector.

To promote clean energy adoption and regional collaboration in the fight against climate change, the Saudi Arabia and Middle East Green Initiative have been established. Despite financial constraints, these initiatives reflect the country's commitment to sustainability and technological innovation.

Plant more trees and promote environmental initiatives

Saudi Arabia has launched a major tree-planting drive as part of its efforts to combat air pollution. The initiative, unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to plant 10 billion trees across the country in the coming decades. This ambitious campaign is designed to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and combat land degradation.

The country also intends to work with other Arab states on the Middle East Green Initiative, which includes plans to plant an additional 40 billion trees, making it the largest reforestation programme globally. This collaborative effort demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to regional environmental protection and sustainability.

To optimize the implementation of its tree-planting initiatives, Saudi Arabia is taking several strategic steps. These include preparing a scientific research-based framework, mapping out the necessary natural, financial, and logistical resources, and developing guidelines to preserve the country's natural vegetation.

In addition to these tree-planting initiatives, Saudi Arabia is also addressing air pollution through other environmental initiatives. The country has established the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, which aims to promote sustainable development and overcome challenges affecting vegetation cover. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is focusing on renewable energy projects, waste management, and environmental regulations to reduce pollution and protect its ecosystems and biodiversity.

The General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection plays a crucial role in establishing and enforcing standards related to air quality, emphasizing the protection of the environment and human health. Saudi Arabia's participation in international initiatives, such as partnering with the Global Ocean Alliance, further showcases its dedication to tackling air pollution and contributing to global climate action.

Study and address local conditions and design policies

Saudi Arabia's air pollution is caused by a combination of anthropogenic and natural sources. Urban activities, such as the use of private transport, are a major contributor. The country's position as a leading oil exporter and one of the world's top oil producers means that the price of gasoline is very cheap, and its young population can afford to buy expensive cars with large, powerful engines. This results in high carbon emissions, with cars being a significant source of air pollution in cities such as Riyadh and Dammam. In addition, the process of oil extraction emits large volumes of carbon dioxide.

Other anthropogenic sources of air pollution include industrial waste, particularly from the chemical industry and cement plants, and the combustion of fuels. The incineration or reuse of human and industrial waste also contributes to air pollution. The distribution of goods to local shops in cities by lorries is another issue, which could be improved by using small-scale trucks with efficient energy-saving electric motors.

Natural sources of air pollution include dust storms, which are at their worst during the spring months, from March to May.

To address these local conditions, policies should focus on reducing emissions and adapting to the specific context of Saudi Arabia. The government has already implemented the Ambient Air Standard, which aims to reduce harmful pollutants, and this has had positive effects, with a decline in volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

Further policies could include removing subsidies and increasing taxes to reduce fuel consumption, which would increase government revenue and provide finance for improved public transportation services. Catalytic converters and fuel-saving technology should be fitted to vehicles to decrease air pollution and the exploitation of non-renewable fuels. Unleaded and natural gas could also be further implemented, as their increased use leads to lower polluting emissions.

In addition to these measures, Saudi Arabia could continue its tree-planting initiatives, such as the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees, with 7.5 million in and around Riyadh. This will help to improve the city's image as an environmentally friendly metropolis, reduce energy consumption, and promote healthier lifestyles for residents.

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