Adapting Disaster Preparedness Strategies to Changing Climate Patterns in Saudi Arabia: A Rapid Review

Abstract

This rapid review critically evaluates the impact of climate change on Saudi Arabia, elucidating its adaptive measures and the ensuing global ramifications. Using a structured framework, we conducted exhaustive database searches spanning 2010–2023, focusing on articles pertinent to Saudi Arabia’s climate adaptation and disaster readiness. Through a rigorous dual-reviewer process, the data was systematically synthesized. Our findings reveal that Saudi Arabia confronts pressing water scarcity issues, particularly highlighted by a surge in desalination dependence, which presents both sustainability and adaptability challenges. Infrastructure resilience in key cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah stands out, emphasizing innovative solutions imperative to counteracting unforeseen environmental disruptions. Furthermore, the nation’s endeavor to meld its deep-rooted cultural legacy with emergent environmental imperatives is distinctive, representing a confluence of tradition and contemporaneity that resonates globally. The geopolitical dynamics, accentuated by Saudi Arabia’s dominant role in international arenas, bring to the fore the socio-political and economic shifts induced by climate change. Additionally, the dawn of technological advancements underscores the pivotal role of robust digital frameworks in countering climatic challenges. Saudi Arabia’s policy and governance undertakings furnish salient insights into adaptive modalities, underscoring a triad of collaboration, vision, and ingenuity. Conclusively, this review delineates Saudi Arabia’s intricate trajectory through climate change intricacies, affording pivotal insights that bear significance for global scientific discourse on adaptive strategies, particularly emphasizing the integral balance of tradition, modernity, and innovation.