The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has joined forces with a local company to enhance its green spaces by planting 50,000 trees. In collaboration with Net Zero Environmental Services Co., this initiative is anticipated to result in a reduction of approximately 1,560 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually in the designated area, as stated by the involved parties. The project was officially launched through the signing of an agreement, attended by Mohammed bin Imad Al-Sheikh, Chairman of Net Zero, and Nidal Al-Ratrout, Vice President of the university. This undertaking aligns with the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, the Saudi Green Initiative, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Trees have a significant impact on lowering temperatures in urban areas, with the potential to reduce temperatures by up to 7 degrees Celsius. They play a vital role in absorbing moisture and mitigating air pollution and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Al-Ratrout commended the university for its distinguished role and commitment to raising awareness and community engagement for environmental preservation. Expressing readiness to confront the challenge, he emphasized the university's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Al-Ratrout extended appreciation to Net Zero for promoting participation across all age groups in volunteer efforts for environmental sustainability and community betterment.
Al-Sheikh emphasized the nation's dedication to linking environmental concerns with educational institutions and universities as part of the effort to address climate change. He suggested that a key approach to achieving this goal is by expanding vegetation coverage and decreasing carbon emissions. The agreement additionally involves the practice of naming trees after university staff, aiming to foster a culture of sustainability. Al-Sheikh explained that the intention is to closely monitor the environmental impact of each tree.
