Riyadh, a city known for its majestic deserts, is on the brink of a significant ecological transformation with the initiation of the Green Riyadh project.
In an earnest bid to position Saudi Arabia among the world’s top 100 liveable cities, the ambitious initiative aims to substantially increase the city’s green spaces by planting a staggering 7.5 million trees by 2030.
The project is said to increase the amount of green space available per citizen.
Strategically placed plants around mosques, schools, and along 50 km of roads are expected to reduce ambient summer temperatures by a remarkable 2 degrees. Furthermore, green spaces per citizen will substantially increase, facilitating a healthier urban environment.
Riyadh: Soaring temperatures
Saudi Arabia, a country often grappling with sandstorms, experiences the consequential issues of poor air quality and soaring daytime temperatures. The Green Riyadh project expects to reduce the ambient temperature by 2 degrees during summer.
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It is expected to improve air quality by reducing CO2 concentration by 3-6%, reduce dust concentration in the air, improve readiness for handling rainwater and minimise flood hazards.
The Green Riyadh project is an environmental investment and an economic one. It’s predicted to inject over $19 billion into the Kingdom’s GDP, symbolising a harmonious blend of economic and environmental foresight.
At the opening of the Middle East Green Initiative last November, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud first announced the plan to reduce global carbon emissions by 2.5 % by planting 50 billion trees across the Middle East.
The Kingdom’s overall target is to plant 450 million trees by 2030.
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