Saudi Arabia’s recent climate policies mark a dramatic reversal from the recent past, when the kingdom lagged behind world opinion on the causes and consequences of climate change, and what it might mean for energy producers.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, has launched two so-called “green initiatives” aimed at tackling climate change domestically and across the Middle East region. Riyadh has also followed the UAE in its pledge to be carbon-neutral by 2050, announcing a 2060 target. 

According to Joanna Depledge, a Cambridge University researcher who has been following climate change negotiations since the 1990s, Saudi Arabia has toned down its past resistance to bold climate policies. In the past, she told Al-Monitor, "They have sought to delay the overall response, to stop others taking action, not just themselves." 

Since oil produces 90 percent of Saudia Arabia's export revenues, it makes sense that the kingdom would not be a leader in calling for less production. Also, US leadership on climate is a recent phenomenon. The issue gained traction during the Obama administration, took a sabbatical during the Trump years, and is now a top priority for the Biden administration.