Over Half Of Saudi Residents Believe Climate Change Poses Immediate Threat

Study Aims To Get Views On The Social, Economic, And Cultural Changes

It also found that 64% think that the costs caused by climate disruption and pollution will be more significant than the investments needed for ecological transformation, which is defined as working to radically change patterns of production and consumption.

The study's main aim was to get people's views on the social, economic, and cultural changes the world would experience while implementing solutions against climate change and pollution, according to the report.

It further illustrates that most people in Saudi Arabia believe that ecological transformation leads to a better world, which encompasses better health, cleaner air, food and water security, and a high standard of living overall.

According to the report, the survey further shows that 57% of respondents find it difficult to imagine what daily life could be like if we achieved the ecological transformation, and 56% believe that we do talk enough about the solutions that need to be implemented to mitigate pollution and climate disruption.

What's more, 53% consider the risk of lacking and poor-quality food a serious and immediate risk, and 54% are in favour of reducing meat consumption.

Ahmed Gashlan, CEO, Veolia Arabia, said, "This survey is quite significant not only for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also for the entire world."

"It offers deep and cutting insights and comes at a time when the world braces for an ecological makeover, with many nations becoming environmentally conscious and joining global efforts to promote decarbonization, biodiversity, and food security.

"As the world makes leaps in finding solutions and implementing them for climate adaptation and mitigation, we felt there was a knowledge gap regarding understanding people's perceptions of these changes. For this reason, Veolia conducted this extensive survey in different countries.

"I want to thank everyone for taking part in this much-needed study, and we are happy to report that the Kingdom showed a positive attitude towards embracing changes as part of the ecological transformation."

The study was part of a global survey that used a sample reflecting the voice of more than half the world's population, covering 25 countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.

It showed that seven out of 10 people globally feel vulnerable to environmental risk, and 89% of the world's population is convinced that climate change is happening, with 67% convinced of the need for change, said the report.

In Saudi Arabia, more than a thousand people took part in the survey. They were asked a series of questions about risks, solutions, acceptability, and conditions.

The survey fits in with Veolia's strategic partnerships in the Kingdom, especially the new partnerships signed in 2021 when French President Emmanuel Macron was there.

It included getting the contract to manage water and sewage services for the Riyadh area, forming a partnership with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia and Water Transmission and Technologies Company for the whole country's water sector, and forming a partnership with Saudi Aramco to handle its industrial waste.

Overall, the study supports over 36 years of Veolia’s presence in Saudi Arabia and contributes to its broader goals, including Saudi Vision 2030, which drives collective commitment to meet current and future energy and climate challenges creatively and responsibly.

The survey will play an essential role for the Kingdom as it aims to reach net zero by 2060 and is working on increasing its reliance on clean energy, offsetting emissions, improving quality of life, and protecting the environment, concluded the report.