KAUST Climate and Livability Initiative

Climate change and its impacts pose a serious risk to Saudi Arabia’s environment, society, and economy. Climate action, together with the implementation of appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies, presents an opportunity for the Kingdom to shift towards a more sustainable model of development. Embarking on such a path will build resilience into its economy and urban settlements, while preserving and protecting its incredible natural and human capital.

Learn More

"KAUST is committed to delivering the science and technology solutions required to navigate the climate and sustainability challenges faced by the Kingdom and the world. The CLI is the focal point of our effort to develop the most impactful solutions that will avert environmental catastrophes looming on the horizon.”

- Tony Chan

President
KAUST

"How humanity responds to the climate challenge will shape the coming decades. More precisely, a nation's response to the impacts of climate change on its society, economy, and natural and man-made systems will determine its pathway to prosperity"

- Matthew F. McCabe

Professor of Remote Sensing and Water Security
Director, Climate and Livability Initiative

RESEARCH PILLARS

Research at the CLI is organized around four pillars that encompass the multidisciplinary character of climate and livability science.

BRIDGING REGIONAL TO LOCAL SCALES

High-resolution insights for terrestrial and ocean processes

CLIMATE IMPACT, ADAPTATION & MITIGATION

Identifying impacts and exploring adaptation & mitigation strategies

RESTORATION, ENHANCEMENT & RESILIENCE

Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems on land & sea

URBAN SYSTEMS AND LIVABILITY

Guiding the development of resilient & sustainable urban cities

LATEST NEWS

05 June, 2023

H.H. Princess Mashael Saud AlShalan joins the CLI Advisory Board

Princess Mashael is co-founder of Aeon Strategy, where she advises on climate change policy, socioeconomic development and sustainability, and works with government entities and the private sector as an advocate for sustainable and equitable development.

16 February, 2023

Latest Publication - Nature Climate Change - Yoshihide Wada

Closing the loop of reflexivity

16 February, 2023

Latest Publication - Water Resources Research - Hylke E. Beck

Use of Hydrological Models in Global Stochastic Flood Modeling

JOIN OUR MISSION

Our faculty, researchers, collaborators, and students cultivate a profound appreciation of climate science and sustainability. Together, our focused intellect will translate KAUST-based research and apply it to address the impending generational impacts of climate change and livability.

Join Us