A new study conducted by the Urban Planning Department at King Saud University in Riyadh has unveiled crucial insights into the factors affecting Saudi Arabia’s Ecological Footprint (EFP), a key indicator of environmental sustainability. The research, spanning from 1990 to 2022, examined the impacts of urbanization, energy consumption, economic growth, natural resources, and technological innovation on the country’s EFP.
Saudi Arabia, as the world’s largest oil producer and a significant energy consumer, faces unique environmental challenges. With an urbanization rate of 84% and a GDP of 1.11 trillion USD in 2022, the nation’s rapid development has intensified pressure on its natural resources.
The study’s findings reveal a complex interplay of factors influencing Saudi Arabia’s environmental sustainability:
- Positive Impacts: Urbanization, natural resources management, and technological innovation were found to reduce the EFP in both long and short terms.
- Negative Impacts: Energy consumption and economic growth contribute to an increase in the EFP, highlighting the environmental costs of the country’s development trajectory.
These results underscore the need for a realignment of Saudi Arabia’s economic and environmental policies. The researchers suggest several key strategies to address these challenges:
- Transitioning from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy sources
- Promoting the electrification of the economy, in other words, “using renewable electricity in all elements of end consumption, from domestic needs such as cooking and heating all the way through to transport and industrial production.”
- Investing in clean technologies
- Reassessing energy pricing systems and increasing carbon taxes
- Updating energy laws and regulations
The study emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection, particularly in light of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims for more efficient use of natural resources.
This research provides valuable insights for policymakers in Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states, contributing significantly to the understanding of environmental economics in the region. As the country continues its path of rapid development, these findings offer a roadmap for a more sustainable future.
