Saudi Arabia ‘to plant 10 billion trees’ in bid to tackle climate change

Saudi Arabia ‘to plant 10 billion trees’ in bid to tackle climate change

Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil producers, has announced ambitious proposals for a “green initiative” to tackle climate change with plans including the planting of 10 billion trees across the Kingdom.The “Saudi Green Initiative” aims to reduce the country's emissions by generating half of its energy from renewables by 2030. The move was championed by Saudi's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.“As a leading global oil producer, we are fully aware of our share of responsibility in advancing the fight against the climate crisis, and that, as our pioneering role in stabilising energy markets during the oil and gas era, we will act to lead the next green era,” said the Crown Prince as the initiative was unveiled over the weekend.The environmental plans are part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to wean the country off of its reliance on oil.Saudi Arabia is currently the world's second largest oil producer, after the United States, accounting for around 12 per cent of global production.Read more:The Crown Prince said it was necessary to cut global carbon emissions as Saudi Arabia and the entire Gulf region faced “significant climate challenges” which posed an “immediate economic risk”.Saudi, one