Riyadh, Washington Agree on Combating Climate Challenges, Protecting Environment

Riyadh, Washington Agree on Combating Climate Challenges, Protecting Environment

Saudi Arabia and the United States have agreed to confront the mounting climate challenges. They also agreed to implement the Paris Agreement and work on bolstering efforts at the upcoming G20 summit scheduled for Glasgow.

They also expressed support for supporting the Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry held talks in Riyadh on Wednesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and five Saudi ministers. They are Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir, Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih, Minister of Environment and Water Abdulrahman al-Fadley and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Amer Al-Swaha.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, a State Department spokesperson said the world was witnessing a severe climate change crisis. The situation is dire in the Middle East in particular due to rising temperatures, desertification, drought and other climate factors.

The Biden administration has vowed to work on a comprehensive strategy, that includes the government, industry, financial and social society sectors, to push forward measures to ease and adapt to climate change.

The US encourages and supports Saudi Arabia's efforts and plans in the climate sector and in