Professor of Remote Sensing and Water Security | Director, Climate and Livability Initiative
How humanity responds to the climate challenge will shape the coming decades. More to the point, 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.
The Climate and Livability Initiative was established under the Office of the President, Professor Tony Chan, with the following mission in mind: to address climate issues of relevance to the Kingdom and the broader Middle East region, particularly in terms of understanding climate impacts, identifying implementable solutions, and promoting needed adaptation and mitigation strategies.
An overriding purpose of the CLI is to serve as a link between academia, industry, and government, providing a central hub where independent support and advice can be sought and provided. As national plans are made to adopt and implement ambitious climate adaptation and mitigation measures, the CLI will play a leading role in directing and advancing the climate conversation within Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East.
Climate change is a global issue, but has serious regional and local implications. The CLI will act as a hub for research and collaboration and help focus international attention to the array of cross-sectoral challenges facing the region - many of which link directly to KAUST research thrusts in food, water, energy, and environment.
With colleagues across campus and through engagement with world-leading international investigators, we are building the critical mass needed to tackle some of the major climate related challenges facing the region. It is a privilege to help guide the formation of this important initiative, and I invite you to be a part of this effort.
Professor of Remote Sensing and Water Security
Director, Climate and Livability Initiative