Building a sustainable Kingdom from the ground up

Saudi Arabia stands at a pivotal moment in its sustainability journey. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has crafted policies aimed at reaching net-zero emissions by 2060 and generating 50 percent of its electricity from renewables by the end of the decade.

These are undeniably bold aspirations. Yet, the true measure of success will hinge on the extent to which Saudi citizens embrace and drive this transformation. While top-down policies are essential, they must be complemented by a bottom-up movement.

Several countries have shown that successful sustainability requires broad public support. Germany’s Energiewende, a long-term energy and climate strategy to move the country toward a climate-neutral energy system by 2045, demonstrates the power of national commitment.

Costa Rica’s award-winning Payments for Environmental Services (Pago por Servicios Ambientales), launched in 1996, which compensates landowners for forest conservation, has been very successful in raising awareness and fostering eco-friendly behaviors.

The social acceptance of Brazil’s massive biofuel program has been essential to its success. The widespread adoption of flex-fuel vehicles, capable of running on gasoline or ethanol derived from sugarcane, has created a robust market for biofuels and acceptance of renewable energy.

Introduced in 2003, flex-fuel cars now account for about 90 percent of total passenger vehicle sales in the country. And all gas stations in Brazil offer biofuels at competitive prices.

The transition to renewable energy and a sustainable lifestyle is often hindered by personal challenges and anxieties. Financial strain, resistance to lifestyle adjustments, technological uncertainties and fear of missing out can create significant barriers.

A lack of clear guidance on eco-friendly products, effective recycling and energy-saving measures can be overwhelming. What are the best energy-saving practices? These personal matters are not trivial and must be dealt with.

By integrating sustainability into all levels, from primary school to higher education, we can cultivate a generation equipped to address environmental challenges.

Rodrigo Tavares

To foster a sustainable future, education is essential. By integrating sustainability into all levels, from primary school to higher education, we can cultivate a generation equipped to address environmental challenges.

Germany, Denmark, Costa Rica and Brazil teach sustainability practices to their students. The cultural sector is another area where ideas around eco-friendly behaviors can be effectively disseminated.

Since its establishment in 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has fostered a new generation of cultural producers and consumers by incorporating creative disciplines into the curriculum of public schools.

This approach has led to a very large number of graduates in culture-related university programs, and the development of new academic departments and institutes.

Saudi Arabia can further bolster its sustainability efforts by investing in academic research, data management and vocational training.

A new generation of young climate leaders is already making significant strides in both the public and private sectors. However, to harness the potential of its young population, Saudi Arabia must significantly expand this talent pool.

With more than 63 percent of its population under the age of 30, sustainability offers a wealth of job opportunities and a compelling purpose for the Kingdom’s youth.

• Rodrigo Tavares is an invited full professor of sustainable finance at Nova School of Business and Economics, founder and CEO of the Granito Group, and former head of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Sao Paulo state government.