Meteorology: 30 climate studies and 4km accurate modeling to support Green Saudi Arabia
The CEO of the National Center for Meteorology, Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, announced a significant scientific achievement: the Regional Center for Climate Change has completed 30 high-quality scientific studies during its first phase. These studies included the development of numerical climate models with a resolution of up to 4 kilometers, a level of accuracy not available in many prestigious international centers. This represents a qualitative leap in the accuracy of forecasts and the understanding of climate details within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
National context and strategic vision
This achievement comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s tireless efforts under Vision 2030 to enhance environmental sustainability and address the challenges of climate change. The Regional Center for Climate Change was established as an outcome of the “Green Middle East Initiative” summit launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, serving as a leading scientific platform aimed at unifying regional efforts in studying climate phenomena. The selection of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as the center’s headquarters reflects the leadership’s commitment to providing a world-class research environment, supported by advanced technological infrastructure and high-performance computing that enabled researchers to conduct this complex modeling.
Rainfall and drought scenarios: A look at the future
Dr. Ghulam explained that the studies went beyond mere monitoring, extending to forecasting the future by examining rainfall patterns and mitigating their impact. These studies are of paramount importance to decision-makers in urban planning and infrastructure, particularly given the potential for some regions in the Kingdom to experience climate changes that include rainfall exceeding historical averages. Conversely, the center provided a detailed analysis of drought scenarios, observing the transformation of some areas from humid to arid, thus supporting water security strategies and the efficient management of natural resources.
Afforestation and its impact on the local climate
Regarding the “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East” initiatives, the center completed a specialized study on the climatic impact of large-scale afforestation. Scientific evidence confirms that increased vegetation cover directly contributes to lower surface temperatures and higher humidity levels, creating a more temperate local climate. The results of this study provide a solid database to support plans for planting billions of trees and identify the most suitable locations to maximize environmental benefits.
Monitoring global phenomena and their regional impact
The studies did not overlook the international dimension and its local impacts, including research on sea-level rise and its potential effects on Saudi Arabia's extensive coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. A comprehensive scientific model was also developed for the El Niño and La Niña phenomena, two global climatic events that influence weather patterns worldwide, in order to understand their direct impact on the Kingdom's climate. This enhances the country's preparedness to deal with any extreme weather fluctuations that may result from these events.
Ghulam concluded his statement by emphasizing that these studies represent the cornerstone for a new phase of evidence-based climate action, thus consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a key player in international efforts to combat climate change.
