Saudi Arabia uses space science to safeguard its environment
Satellite technology and space research are helping Kingdom monitor climate challenges, protect ecosystems, and enhance disaster preparedness
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) – Saudi Arabia is leveraging space science and satellite technology to address pressing environmental challenges, improve disaster preparedness, and enhance agricultural planning, while also investing in the development of national talent for the space sector.
The Saudi Space Agency’s Space Academy launched a month-long seminar series in November aimed at strengthening knowledge and skills in space science and technology, with a particular focus on Earth observation.
The program is part of a broader strategy to cultivate expertise, expand data capabilities, and support innovation and research that can help tackle climate issues such as drought, air pollution, and desertification.
Fahad Alhussain, co-founder of SeedFord, highlighted the environmental benefits of space technology in an interview with Arab News.
He explained that satellites provide a comprehensive view of environmental changes, allowing experts to detect issues such as forest fires, ice melt, and shifts in weather patterns before they become critical.
“By collecting data and using satellites, you can better analyze and measure so many things that help the environment,” Alhussain said.
Advanced satellite monitoring is already being used worldwide to assess global warming, track illegal logging, and monitor ocean conditions, cloud cover, and precipitation, according to a 2022 McKinsey report by Ryan Brukardt.
The report also noted that space-based data supports agriculture by helping scientists anticipate threats to crops from drought or pest infestations.
Saudi Arabia has established key institutions to advance its space initiatives, including the Supreme Space Council, the Saudi Space Agency, and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission.
These efforts align with the country’s goals to strengthen environmental monitoring, protect ecosystems, and contribute to global climate mitigation efforts.
The global space economy, which surpassed $600 billion in 2024, is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030 and reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, reflecting rapid growth driven by satellite applications in environmental protection, agriculture, and disaster management.
For Saudi Arabia, satellite technology provides critical tools to monitor desertification, track sources of air pollution, and assess the health of marine and coastal ecosystems, including the Red Sea.
The data enables early warning for droughts, heatwaves, and crop stress, supporting more effective environmental planning and response strategies.
By investing in space science education and research, the Kingdom is building national expertise, strengthening environmental policies, improving food and water security, and contributing to global efforts against climate change.
“Advancing space science allows experts to measure environmental damage accurately and predict disasters before they occur,” Alhussain said, emphasizing that space-based data can guide decision-makers in timely, informed interventions to protect both Saudi Arabia and the planet.
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