2024 Saudi Arabia Ecological Transformation Barometer

60% of Saudi Arabia residents are certain that the costs of the consequences of climate disruption are going to be greater than the investments needed for ecological transformation.

This is one of the outcomes of the Ecological Transformation Barometer 2024, an international survey conducted by Veolia in 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia. The study aims to measure people’s readiness for ecological transformation, assessing their willingness to accept ecological solutions and their perceptions of this transition.

Key findings regarding the Saudi Arabia’s population:

86% of Saudi Arabia’s residents are certain that climate change is underway (vs. 89% globally) (+1% since 2022).

58% think that the future is still in our hands (vs. 55% globally).

Saudi Arabia’s residents are inclined to act and accept solutions if it protects their health and quality of life.

In Saudi Arabia, people seem more inclined to act and accept solutions that would place the Kingdom at the forefront of ecological transformation, setting an example with 55% in favor, compared to 48% worldwide. This unique perspective in the Middle East is most likely due to the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia in prioritizing sustainability.

Saudi Arabia’s residents believe that the most important player and key decision maker is the government, followed by local authorities.

87% of Saudi Arabia’s residents are ready to pay more for water to eliminate micropollutants and reduce health risks (vs. 84% globally).

83% of Saudi Arabia’s residents are ready to pay more for fruits, vegetables, and meat to clean up, protect agricultural soil, and reduce health risks (vs. 81% globally).

In general, Saudis are far more accepting of green solutions than they were two years ago. For example, 79% are now ready to buy food packaged in recycled materials (recycled paper or plastic) to reduce plastic pollution and oil extraction, compared to only 55% in 2022 (+24% since 2022).

We see a significant change in the population perceptions compared to the 2022 first edition of the barometer, mainly due to the increased climate and environmental awareness in the country.