Evaluation of Saudi Arabian environmental initiatives by the population

Dramatic change in public perception

The Saudi Arabian population is showing a remarkable change in their perception of environmental and climate issues. One of the most important findings comes from the Veolia Barometer for Ecological Transformation, which documents a dramatic shift in public opinion: 86% of Saudi Arabian residents believed in climate change in 2024, compared to only 59% in 2022[1][2]. This represents an increase of 27 percentage points in just two years.

At the same time, the perception of climate change as a serious and immediate threat from 56% to 67% between 2022 and 2024[1][2]. These figures show that the government initiatives and awareness campaigns are certainly having an impact and have significantly raised the population's awareness of environmental issues.

Positive reception of the Saudi Green Initiative

High level of social participation

The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) enjoys broad public support and active participation. March 27 was officially declared Saudi Green Initiative Day established to raise awareness of the Kingdom's progress and promote collective environmental action[3].

Dr. Fahd Turkistani, a former chemistry professor at Umm Al-Qura University, emphasized the importance of community participation: "Community awareness of environmental balance is crucial when it comes to protecting our world, preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability"[4].

Visible successes strengthen trust

The population can already Concrete successes of environmental initiatives perceive. Sana Al-Shahri, Chairman of Raisa Environmental Services Co., reported a significant reduction in sandstorms: "Since the reforestation started under the Saudi Green Initiative, I have noticed a reduction in sandstorms, which used to occur four to five times a year... last year they decreased significantly"[4].

These visible improvements in air quality and the local climate strengthen the population's confidence in the effectiveness of government environmental programs.

Sustainability in the everyday life of Saudi Arabians

Change in consumer behavior

The practical implementation of sustainability in everyday life in Saudi Arabia shows Mixed, but overall positive trends. According to a YouGov survey from 2023, the Buying local products has become the most popular eco-friendly practice, increasing from 25% (2019) to 28% (2023)[5].

68% of Saudi Arabian residents are willing to consume food grown with recycled water, and 58% would drink recycled water[1][2]. This shows a remarkable openness to innovative sustainability solutions.

Water and energy conservation

Water management in the household

Saudi Arabia has Strict water protection measures introduced, which have a direct impact on everyday life. Since 2024, all property owners must Licenses for groundwater use apply[6]. The Qatrah program aims to improve the daily Per capita water consumption from 263 liters to 150 liters by 2030 to reduce[7].

The government has issued a Four-stage program for the free distribution of water-saving devices introduced[8]. Surveys show that a high percentage of the population is willing to buy and install water-saving devices, although penetration is still low[8].

Solar energy in private households

The government has Green light for the installation of solar systems in 2021 in residential buildings[9]. The regulatory framework enables consumers, Small photovoltaic systems up to 2 megawatts and feed surplus electricity into the grid[10].

However, studies show that Solar energy not yet economically viable for households with current electricity tariffs is[11]. Less than 2% of Saudi Arabian households use renewable energy, mainly solar energy[12].

Waste management and recycling

Household level

Saudi Arabia produces about 15 million tons of waste per yearwith 95% ending up in landfill[13]. The government has set itself the ambitious goal of reducing Increase recycling rate from 3-4% to 95%which is expected to contribute around SAR 120 billion (USD 32 billion) to GDP and create over 100,000 jobs[14].

The National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) is planning a Reversal of the trendOnly 18% of waste will end up in landfill, while 81% will be recycled, 19% will be converted into energy and 60% of construction waste will be reused[15][16].

Practical challenges

Although the policy is ambitious, surveys show that Mixed trends in environmentally friendly behavior. The use of reusable shopping bags decreased from 29% to 22% between 2019 and 2023[5]. At the same time, the use of environmentally friendly products fell from 32% to 28%[5].

Only 6% of Saudi Arabian residents state that they do not undertake any activities to reduce their environmental impact - a decrease of 8% in 2019[5].

Young people as drivers of change

Generational difference

Young people are much more environmentally aware than older generations and are more willing to support environmental protection measures[17][18]. The younger generation is more likely to design environmentally friendly practices and to promote sustainability[17].

Grassroots movements

The Saudi Youth Climate Network (SYCN) was founded to address the critical gap in climate leadership among Saudi Arabian youth[19][20]. The organization organizes workshops, advocacy campaigns and public events to raise awareness.

Local initiatives such as the Green Horizons Initiative have Tree planting campaigns and recycling programs organized at universities[17][18]. Young people actively participate in clean-up campaigns, promote the use of recycling bins and share environmental information on social media[17][18].

Institutional support

The KSA Local Conference of Youth (LCOY18) brought together passionate young climate activists in 2023 to promote intergenerational dialog and develop actionable solutions[21]. Noura Alissa, a senior policy analyst at the Department of Energy, emphasized: "One of my biggest motivators is to see my country reach its full potential"[22].

Challenges and criticism

Greenwashing accusations

Despite the positive public perception, there are considerable criticism in the Saudi Arabian environmental initiatives. Greenpeace MENA expressed concerns about the net-zero announcement of 2060 and described it as a "nothing more than propaganda for fossil fuels"[23].

The European Center for Democracy and Human Rights criticized the Saudi Green Initiative as "Greenwashing"which hides the country's continued dependence on fossil fuels and disregard for environmental justice behind promises of sustainability[24].

Structural contradictions

Climate Action Tracker assesses Saudi Arabia's climate commitments as "critically insufficient" and points to a lack of clear guidelines or data on emissions[25]. Experts doubt Saudi Arabia's ability to meet the ambitious targets as it has "there is no economic incentive to move away from the production of fossil fuels"[25].

The parallel plans to increase oil production from 12 million to 13 million barrels per dayincrease skepticism about the seriousness of environmental commitments[23].

Behavioral gaps

57% of respondents find it difficultto imagine what daily life could look like if a global ecological transformation is achieved[1][2]. This points to a gap between awareness and practical implementation.

Although 78% of Saudi Arabian residents believe that there is sufficient discussion about solutions to combat pollution and climate disruption[1], practical behavioral changes are still showing mixed results.

Regional and cultural factors

Islamic values as a basis

The Perception of sustainable development is strongly influenced by cultural and religious values, especially Islamic teachings[26]. Concepts such as Environmental, social and corporate responsibility and accountability to future generations are deeply rooted[26].

Community-based approach

Community partnerships are key to conservation across the Kingdom, with education and outreach programs promoting coexistence between local communities and wildlife[27]. From urban neighborhoods to rural villages, citizens are taking responsibility for environmental challenges by Community-led projects[27].

Future prospects

Positive outlook

58% of Saudi Arabian residents think that the future is still in their hands and that climate disruption and environmental pollution can be limited[1][2]. This shows a Optimism and willingness to act in the population.

The establishment of the March 27 as the annual Saudi Green Initiative Day institutionalizes environmental awareness and promotes continuous citizen participation[3]. The motto "For our today and their future: KSA together for a greener future" underlines the Intergenerational responsibility[3].

Necessary improvements

Wael BushahGeneral Manager for Environmental Awareness at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, emphasizes that "Behavioral and attitudinal changes in Saudi Arabian society" are necessary to protect the environment from the effects of climate change[28].

The government is conducting comprehensive awareness campaigns that go beyond social media and on site to ensure that the right message is sent to people[28]. These initiatives are aimed at everyone in the community - from children to students to the general public[28].

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabian population shows a remarkably positive and rapidly developing attitude towards environmental initiatives. The dramatic increase in climate awareness from 59% to 86% between 2022 and 2024 reflects the effectiveness of government education and awareness campaigns.

Sustainability in everyday life manifests itself in various areas - from water-saving measures and local consumption to the first steps towards solar energy. While there are structural challenges such as high costs for renewable energies and established consumption habits, the population is showing a Fundamental willingness to change.

The young generation acts as an important catalyst for change, while cultural and religious values provide a solid foundation for environmental responsibility. Despite justified criticism of possible greenwashing and structural contradictions, a Authentic social awareness for environmental issues that goes beyond mere rhetoric and is reflected in concrete changes in behavior.

Supplementary assessment from a Gradido perspective

The analysis gives us a differentiated picture of environmental awareness and the implementation of sustainability in Saudi Arabia.

Key findings & opportunities

1. change in consciousness:
Within a short period of time, climate awareness among the population has risen rapidly (from 59 % to 86 % between 2022 and 2024). Environmental and climate issues have reached the center of society, especially among young people.

2. positive reception of initiatives:
The Saudi Green Initiative is perceived, supported and visibly experienced - in particular, improvements such as fewer sandstorms, more reforestation and positive participation of the population are reported.

3. everyday life & practical implementation:
Real sustainability is still hesitant in everyday life - initiatives such as saving water, local products and recycling are gaining in importance, but routines and habits are changing slowly. The use of solar energy in the home is still rare and not very economical.

4. youth as a motor:
The young generation is strongly committed, founds networks and organizations, initiates actions and is active in raising awareness. This is a valuable lever for all future transformation steps!

5. religious values as a resource:
Islamic teachings and social responsibility for future generations provide a solid foundation for sustainable action that is deeply rooted in our culture.

Challenges & criticism

• Despite visible successes, the initiatives are accused of "greenwashing" and ambitious rhetoric, as Saudi Arabia continues to expand fossil fuel production.

• Gap between awareness and actual change in everyday behavior: Many people still find it difficult to imagine sustainable living in concrete terms.

• Structural framework conditions (e.g. high electricity subsidies, economic focus on oil) hinder the broad implementation of renewable energies and the circular economy.

Potential for Gradido

• Bridge between tradition and innovation: Gradido can combine the culturally significant values of the common good, responsibility and intergenerational justice with innovative incentive systems for sustainable behavior.

• Youth work and education: Programs for environmental protection and sustainability, supported by youth initiatives and schools, could be effectively promoted with Gradido support.

• Everyday incentives for sustainable routines: Gradido points could be awarded specifically for local, environmentally friendly actions (e.g. recycling, energy saving, community projects) - this motivates real change.

• Strengthening the community programs: Support for local grassroots initiatives, awareness campaigns and participatory projects through the Gradido model.