Saudi Arabia's stance as a major blocker of climate action is deeply rooted in its economic and political interests, particularly the dominance of its state oil company, Aramco. With a GDP per capita of $35,230 and a population of 36 million, the country's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, which make up 60% of its government budget. This dependence on fossil fuels is a key reason why Saudi Arabia has been a vocal opponent of international climate action, viewing it as a threat to its economic stability and the ruling royal family's power. The country's vital statistics, including its high CO2 emissions per capita and its role as the world's largest oil and gas producer, further underscore the urgency of addressing its climate policies.
The historical context is crucial. Saudi Arabia has a long history of blocking and delaying international climate action, dating back to the early negotiations of the UN climate treaty. This obstructionism has been characterized by a series of tactics, including disputing agendas, claiming lack of mandate for certain discussions, and insisting on linking vulnerable countries' adaptation to global heating with compensating oil-rich nations for lost sales. These tactics have been so effective that they have significantly slowed down climate negotiations, with the first mention of fossil fuels in the decision-making process taking 28 years to be included in the UN Cop28 summit in 2023.
The consequences of this obstructionism are far-reaching. By delaying the transition to renewable energy, Saudi Arabia is worsening the impacts of climate change on a desert kingdom that is already highly vulnerable to global heating. The country's environmental parameters are at the verge of livability, with rising temperatures, water stress, and increasing flash floods. The hajj, a significant religious event, has already been affected by extreme heat, leading to the deaths of at least 1,300 Muslim pilgrims in 2024.
Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia is making a strategic shift. The country is pushing for a 'carbon circular economy' and is investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. The Saudi Green Initiative aims to have half of the electricity capacity renewable by 2030 and is fostering a flourishing electric vehicle industry. This shift is driven by the realization that the momentum behind the green energy transition is unstoppable, and the country needs to adapt to remain competitive in a decarbonizing world.
However, the transition is not without challenges. Saudi Arabia's budget is heavily dependent on oil prices, and the country needs an oil price of $96 a barrel to balance its budget. The country's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify its economy away from oil, faces a significant risk if the global transition to renewable energy accelerates. The question remains: can Saudi Arabia adapt to the impacts of climate change when it's physically threatening to go outside for any period of time?
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's role as a major blocker of climate action is a complex issue, driven by economic and political interests. While the country is making strategic shifts towards renewable energy, the historical obstructionism and the current economic dependence on oil exports present significant challenges. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including international cooperation, technological innovation, and a commitment to a sustainable future.
