I feel pain when groundwater is extracted for livestock or agriculture while we, you and I, drink seawater. We are the only country that uses desalinated seawater to flush toilets. Can you imagine that? It’s like using orange juice to flush the toilet. It’s madness, stupidity, and extravagance. Hi, I’m a cup of eight, and I’m Abdul Rahman Abumalih. My guest today is Abdullah Al-Misnid, a climate science researcher. So our discussion will revolve around geography and climate change in Saudi Arabia. Water and food security, as well as sandstorms and their relationship with camels. It’s going to be an amazing episode. Before we start, I would like to ask you to share this episode with anyone interested in climate change and afforestation. Your suggestions are welcome via my email [email protected]. Let’s get started.
Welcome, Doctor! Hello, good evening. Good evening to you too. There are a million issues to discuss such as climate change, global warming, desertification, and afforestation, but the most important is water security, which is rarely addressed in Saudi Arabia. What is our current situation? Water security in Saudi Arabia is a blind spot for researchers; the information we have about groundwater is unreliable or outdated. The last official water atlas issued by the Ministry of Agriculture was around 1982. It provided valuable information resulting from a comprehensive study conducted by international experts over an area of 2 million square kilometers of Saudi Arabia. After that, I couldn’t find any updated study concerning changes in groundwater levels. Is everything we know now about groundwater from studies from the 1980s? Mostly, yes. There is information about new unpublished studies conducted by the government over the past seven years. What we rely on now is old information about groundwater. Groundwater in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula is ancient, some dating back more than ten thousand years when it was covered with abundant plants and freshwater. We used to extract water from artesian wells in later years to grow exceptional agriculture. We established farms in the deserts and in low areas, mountains, and valleys using pivot irrigation systems. Even commentators of the Hadith saw that as confirmation of the Hadith: “Until the land of the Arabs returns to meadows and rivers.” They were astounded by the beautiful vast green sight in Wadi Dawasir, Al-Basita in the northern region, Al-Qassim, and the central region. They saw meadows and rivers through these plants and abundant irrigation. The crops exceeded the required water supply, not by two or three times, but by more than five times. Because people were new to farming. My grandfather and father were not farmers, but I got a loan, facilities, and incentives to cultivate the land to make Saudi Arabia the sixth country in the world in wheat production in 1996. We produced enough to cover the region’s needs for wheat and exported our water. It’s wheat, but mainly water. The water was exported, which was more expensive than oil for a long time. A bottle of water was more expensive than a bottle of gasoline or diesel. Wheat was exported to thirty countries, which was a strategic mistake by those concerned. Groundwater has been massively and frighteningly depleted, and this is a concern for farmers, researchers, and activists.
The discussion continues regarding environmental issues and the challenges facing water and food security in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for awareness and changes in agricultural policies and water management. The importance of afforestation and moving away from excessive consumption of groundwater has been highlighted. The issue of sandstorms and their impact on daily life has also been explored, along with the importance of taking effective measures to adapt to these phenomena. This discussion belongs to a wider framework of issues related to climate change and environmental security, calling for critical thinking and behavioral change.
Security
Water Security in Saudi Arabia
Water security represents one of the most critical issues in Saudi Arabia, where the country’s population primarily relies on groundwater and desalinated water. However, these sources face significant problems, as the information available about groundwater levels is often outdated and inaccurate. The last update of groundwater data was in 1982, depriving researchers and decision-makers of reliable information about the current state of these resources. In contrast, many depend on desalinated water, which is costly, as the use of desalinated water in sewage systems is considered a form of wastefulness by some. The intensive use of seawater means that Saudi Arabia is increasingly relying on unconventional techniques to obtain water, raising genuine concerns about sustainability in the future.
Water consumption for agricultural purposes is also a sensitive issue, as vast amounts of groundwater are extracted for farming, severely threatening these resources. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has achieved significant milestones in wheat production, but at the same time, it has been depleting its water resources unsustainably. Therefore, transitioning to importing products instead of relying on local agriculture may be a necessary step to conserve groundwater. So, how can a balance be achieved between food security and water security? The answer may require reevaluating current agricultural strategies and turning to utilize non-potable water, such as gray water, for the cultivation of certain crops.
The Impact of Dust Storms on Environment and Health
Dust storms are a prevalent natural phenomenon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, significantly impacting daily life and the population. These storms pose a threat to people’s health, especially those with respiratory problems. In addition to health effects, dust storms impact the environment, contributing to soil erosion and reducing vegetation cover. Increased erosion due to dust storms leads to the degradation of agricultural lands and reduces arable land, thereby increasing reliance on groundwater.
Proposed solutions to combat these storms require strategic planning, such as planting green belts around cities to reduce the impact of sand. While afforestation efforts may help mitigate some effects, dust storms primarily form in the nearby desert areas, suggesting that comprehensive strategies must be provided to address this phenomenon. These strategies could include raising awareness about the risks of these storms and taking preventive measures in buildings to ensure the protection of residents from their effects.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Agriculture
The ecosystem in Saudi Arabia faces immense challenges due to climate change, with rising temperatures negatively affecting agriculture. Forecasts indicate that temperatures may rise by 1.5 to 3 degrees Celsius by 2050, impacting crops and making farming more difficult. Increased temperatures will lead to a decline in crop production, as some types cannot withstand these harsh conditions, meaning that food security will be at risk in the future.
Moreover, climate change affects rainfall patterns, making it harder to predict rain, which increasingly causes agriculture to rely on groundwater. In this context, the government and farmers must focus on developing sustainable farming techniques, such as hydroponics and greenhouse farming, which use less water and reduce reliance on groundwater. Additionally, it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of organic farming and biodiversity to achieve a balance between food needs and the protection of natural resources.
Policies
Agriculture, Water, and Their Impact on Food Security
Agricultural and water policies are an important part of food security strategies in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, steps have been taken to reduce reliance on water-intensive agriculture such as barley and wheat cultivation. These steps are essential, but they should be supported by awareness programs about the importance of water sustainability in agriculture. There is a need for more effective strategies to encourage the use of modern irrigation methods that save water, such as drip irrigation, and to educate farmers about sustainable farming practices.
Moreover, importing agricultural products instead of relying on local production may have negative impacts on the economy, so it requires finding a balance between food and water security. The government should develop programs to support farmers by providing advanced technologies and financial assistance, ensuring they have the ability to produce sustainably. The current situation calls for rethinking how water resources are used rationally to ensure water availability for future generations.
Reconsidering the Relationship Between Humans and Nature
The relationship between humans and nature in Saudi Arabia needs to be reevaluated. Despite Islamic traditions that encourage care for nature, current behaviors do not reflect that. Awareness of the importance of afforestation and environmental preservation should be enhanced through education and media. Encouraging people to plant trees and care for green spaces can contribute to improving the quality of life in cities and can also help combat the effects of climate change.
Successful examples in countries like the United Arab Emirates show how government policies and community initiatives can effectively improve the environment. It is essential for the government and the community to work together to achieve environmental sustainability goals by promoting urban agriculture and planting trees in public areas. These efforts will not only enhance the aesthetics of cities but will also contribute to improving air quality and reducing temperatures.
Modern Technologies and Climate Challenges
Preliminary estimates from the study suggest the possibility of reducing temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius during the summer. This idea may seem bold or even crazy to some, but it reflects an evolution in thinking about how to deal with the effects of climate change. The project involves creating canopies that cover roads and neighborhoods, providing shade and reducing temperature, where summer temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. Such ideas are not new; 50 years ago, there were similar ideas about developing transportation and communication means that seemed impossible. For example, today we can travel long distances in closed cars while using mobile phones and watching television, things that were not expected to happen. This reflects the ability to innovate and adapt to climate changes through technology.
The proposed canopies are not just a means to reduce heat; they also aim to improve the quality of life in cities. It is important to remember that these changes can positively affect the environment, as they will protect city trees and gardens from direct sunlight, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and urban ecosystems. The practical implementation of these ideas may be challenging, but it can lead to radical improvements in how people live and interact with their environment. Through this initiative, summer can be transformed into a more pleasant season, enhancing the overall quality of life.
Redefining Saudi Provinces
The issue of dividing and reorganizing Saudi provinces is a complex topic that raises widespread debate. The discussion refers to the necessity of re-evaluating the currently adopted borders, which may be arbitrary and do not consider geographical, tribal, or security factors. The proposal to reorganize the country into 21 provinces instead of 13 is seen as a step towards improving the management of resources and public services. The discussion highlights the importance of this through the example of Al-Bahah province surrounded by Makkah, raising questions about the effectiveness of these current borders.
It includes
The suggestions also include creating new capitals such as the Al-Ula Governorate, which may contribute to enhancing tourism and cultural development. This trend reinforces the idea that a more rational division of governorates can improve access to public services such as education and healthcare, thus raising the standard of living for citizens. For instance, if a new governorate is established in the Eastern Region, it would provide services more effectively to the residents living in those areas, instead of having to travel long distances to obtain services.
The issue of tribes and their relation to land is a sensitive area, as it is essential to balance the rights of tribes with development needs. Resistance to the idea of dividing governorates may stem from concerns about losing control over land. However, it is crucial to foster the understanding that the homeland belongs to everyone, and better land division can lead to a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities. Through this change, new job opportunities can arise, which helps reduce the pressure on major cities like Riyadh.
Improving Infrastructure and Public Services
The redistribution of governorates is closely linked to improving infrastructure and public services. Currently, many areas suffer from a lack of basic services such as education and healthcare due to the large population concentration in major cities. Having a convenient and accessible capital in each governorate will enable citizens to obtain services more easily and quickly. For example, if the political capital is moved away from Riyadh, it will alleviate congestion in the city and allow for better distribution of resources.
One prominent suggestion is to reduce the area of the city of Riyadh to 60 square kilometers, which would relieve population pressure and enhance quality of life. The surrounding areas of Riyadh could become new administrative centers, contributing to the development of infrastructure in those regions. This idea will not only improve services but also enhance the government’s capacity to manage resources better, benefiting all citizens.
The concept of creating new cities with new capitals represents a step towards modernization and development. Providing job opportunities and modern infrastructure will have a significant impact on local communities. Furthermore, this trend can help alleviate the pressure on public services, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life. Investments in developing new areas will also help attract new residents and provide a suitable environment for them.
This episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
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