Mega city in the desert: climate change brings heavy rain to Saudi Arabia!

Mega city in the desert: climate change brings heavy rain to Saudi Arabia!

Saudi-Arabien - The ambitious construction project "The Line" in the Saudi desert promises a futuristic city that was designed as part of the NEOM initiative and Saudi Arabia's vision 2030. With a planned length of 170 kilometers and a height of 500 meters, this mega city is said to offer a capacity for up to 9 million inhabitants. The focus is on a sustainable concept that enables a climate -neutral and car -free lifestyle. In addition, underground transport systems, above-ground living and work areas as well as large green recreation areas are intended. This information comes from the report of Engineerine , it is expected that only 300,000 inhabitants will be living in the city by 2030, and only about 1% of the total infrastructure could then be ready for operation. Original plans provided for a completion by 2030, but with regard to full commissioning, however, a construction period of up to 50 years is now expected, possibly up to the 2070s. Financial challenges, including increasing material prices, labor shortages and falling income from the oil sector, have hindered the construction progress.

environmental impacts and climate research

critical voices on the project's environmental and social policy are loud. Climate researchers like Donald Wuebbels warn that the construction project could have serious consequences for the regional climate. A study by the University of Lausanne proves that big cities increase the risk of extreme rainfall. In addition, a study by the University of Hohenheim could show that planned solar fields increase the amount of precipitation by about 10 mm. These findings and possible changes in the wind conditions could even lead to an increase in sandstorms.

Wuebbels also sees the project as an opportunity to gain new knowledge of architecture and climate. Nevertheless, there are serious, social and ethical concerns. Media report on the expulsion of around 20,000 Bedouins and the precarious working conditions for more than 21,000 foreign workers, although Saudi Arabia rejects the figures to work as an unfounded manner.

sustainability and urban development

The discussion about sustainable urban development shows a global trend that also emphasizes the Federal Government emphasizes the Federal Government . Technological change requires new approaches for living, working and living in urban areas. Central questions are how social mixing can be promoted and surface sealing can be reduced. The aim is to create public spaces and to ensure quality of life, with the aspect of citizen participation playing an important role in these changes.

Planning for projects such as "The Line" thus raise fundamental questions about responsibility, process organization and the involvement of civil society. Sustainable cities should not only be ecologically, but also socially and economically balanced.