Neom’s Climate Advisor Sounds Alarm: How Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic City Risks Changing Global Weather Patterns

A leading climate scientist is raising alarms about Saudi Arabia’s ambitious mega-project, Neom. Donald Wuebbles, an expert in atmospheric science, warns that this futuristic city could change local weather patterns. Neom stretches 170 kilometers and aims to include a linear city, ski resorts, and islands. Wuebbles believes these developments may affect wind currents, rainfall, and even increase the intensity of desert storms.

Wuebbles, a professor at the University of Illinois and a contributor to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, has voiced these concerns to Neom’s sustainability committee. Recently, this issue gained urgency, especially after the departure of Neom’s former CEO, Nadhmi al-Nasr. The current CEO, Aiman al-Mudaifer, is now reviewing the project’s progress, which may lead to delays or scaling back due to the heightened environmental concerns and broader economic challenges.

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Wuebbles emphasized that the massive size of Neom, with skyscrapers reaching up to 500 meters, could significantly shift air currents and cloud formations. These changes might warm local temperatures, enhance storm activity, and disrupt the fragile desert ecosystem. He pointed out that the potential impacts on local weather haven’t been thoroughly examined, raising questions about the project’s sustainability and future viability.

Neom’s development is projected to exceed $500 billion, but it faces additional hurdles beyond environmental worries. Reports indicate that progress on sustainable construction practices has been slow, with ongoing reliance on traditional materials and fossil fuel-powered equipment. This raises serious concerns about the project’s carbon emissions, especially as Neom strives to portray itself as a cutting-edge urban development.

Neom’s team insists sustainability is central to their priorities. They are determined to lessen the environmental effects of construction compared to standard urban projects. This includes a commitment to lowering the carbon footprint of building materials.

Wuebbles, however, holds a cautiously optimistic view of Neom. He recognizes the potential for technological innovation within the project and hopes it can emerge as a benchmark for sustainable urban living. He likens it to a “moonshot,” where groundbreaking ideas can emerge even from high-risk ventures. “Nothing like this has been attempted before, and there’s a lot to learn,” he noted.

The advisory board of Neom includes influential figures, such as Usha Rao-Monari from the Blackstone Infrastructure Group. Yet the future of this board is under review as the project re-evaluates its scope and timeline.

With the global economy facing uncertainty, including low oil prices and decreased foreign investment, the direction of Neom remains to be seen. According to the Financial Times, construction may be delayed by six to twelve months as the team tackles these complex issues.

The stakes are high for Neom, pivotal to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy. Whether it can meet its ambitious goals while minimizing environmental impact is a crucial question that will shape its future.

For more insights on climate impacts related to urban development, consider reading reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

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