Saudi Arabia's Water Crisis: The Environmental Impact of Desalination

Saudi Arabia, a country heavily reliant on desalination to provide potable water due to its lack of natural water sources, is facing a dilemma as its growing desalination needs clash with its sustainability goals. The country is investing in innovative solutions, such as integrating solar power with desalination, to reduce carbon emissions. However, the environmental toll of desalination remains high, and there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of the practice. Saudi Arabia aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 and plans to transition from thermal plants to electricity-powered reverse osmosis plants. Despite the challenges, desalination is seen as crucial for the country's survival, as it supplies water to cities and towns that would otherwise struggle to survive.