Prince Charles Addresses Saudi Green Initiative Forum

Instant Max AI

(FGH, 23.Oct.2021) — The UK’s Prince of Wales has addressed the Saudi Green Initiative Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the “dangerously narrow” window for green recovery while praising the Kingdom’s commitment to climate action.

The Prince of Wales said: “At last, and after far too long, climate change and biodiversity loss are clear global challenges of paramount importance to the world.

“At the same time, the ongoing pandemic has highlighted that human health, planetary health and economic health are fundamentally interconnected.

“We now have a dangerously narrow window of opportunity in which to accelerate a green recovery while laying the foundations for a sustainable future.

“In the Middle East the current climate is around 1 to 1.5 degrees centigrade warmer than pre-industrial times and there is a high risk of further warming in the future, particularly at the hottest time of year.

“These higher temperatures are likely to have, or are already having a profound impact on the people and the ecology of the region.

“There is also a risk the increasing temperatures will drive the need for greater supplies of water and energy.

“But, there is hope, and we already seeing real progress – something the Saudi Green initiative and Middle East Green Initiative aim to accelerate.

“As I’ve been trying to stress for many years, the region has huge potential for renewable energy including solar power, wind, green hydrogen and carbon capture.

“These industries can drive economic growth and increase green job opportunities.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Kingdom’s global leadership in energy transition is critically important.

“I can only say that it is enormously encouraging to see the commitment to diversifying its emergency mix, recognizing the cascading economic and social environment benefits that renewable energy provides.

“Practical projects on the ground help bring to life the transformative potential of the green economy.

Bearing in mind that the region is estimated to lose 13 billion dollars to dust storms every year, there is no doubt that the regional initiative to plant billions of trees would have a truly transformative effect for the benefit of generations to come.

The Saudi Green Initiative Forum rallies the climate action ecosystem to achieve ambitious national targets.

The Forum unveils SGI’s roadmap for delivery and spotlight the Kingdom’s green efforts. Attended by global leaders from all spheres of society, the event will drive action and spark innovative solutions to help tackle climate change.

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