New Climate Study Aims to Protect the Two Holy Mosques from Extreme Weather
A comprehensive study has been launched by the Regional Centre for Climate Change to analyze and mitigate the effects of climate change on Makkah and Madinah, focusing on the unique urban planning requirements of these regions.
Riyadh: The Regional Centre for Climate Change (RCCC) has initiated an advanced scientific study dedicated to understanding the impacts of climate change on urban environments in Makkah and Madinah.
This effort is aimed at developing sustainable solutions to counteract extreme weather phenomena, thereby enhancing the quality of life within these areas that hold significant religious importance.
The research will specifically examine how climate change affects urban infrastructure and investigate weather patterns using state-of-the-art modeling techniques.
Furthermore, it aims to optimize urban planning and propose strategies for resilience to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors at the Two Holy Mosques.Ayman Salem Ghulam, CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology and General Supervisor of RCCC, emphasized that this research is a foundational element in implementing adaptation strategies tailored to climate variables affecting the Two Holy Mosques.
He highlighted the commitment of the centers to provide scientifically grounded solutions to improve the efficiency of future projects in both holy cities.Mazen Assiri, Executive Director of RCCC, detailed the methodology employed in the study, which involves an integrated scientific approach that analyzes weather phenomena impacting urban environments.
This methodology incorporates international best practices, ensuring that the outputs align with national development requirements.
To achieve comprehensive solutions, the center conducted workshops with government and research entities, carried out field studies in central Makkah and Madinah, and examined practical implementation pathways.This initiative is in alignment with RCCC's mission to advance specialized climate knowledge and drive data-driven decision-making.
It directly supports environmental sustainability efforts within major developmental projects across the Kingdom, particularly those that cater to millions of pilgrims on an annual basis.
The study also strengthens national efforts to address climate challenges in strategically significant regions, fostering institutional cooperation in climate resilience planning.