KAU has been providing local education programmes, conducting public awareness campaigns, and social events that are related to Climate Change.
In line with KAU’s social responsibility and promotion of sustainable development goals, KAU adopted sustainability as an institutional value and integrated sustainability in its strategic goals. KAU has four strategic goals, one of them is institutional sustainability in which two executive objectives are related to green environment and financial growth. In addition, KAU ensures that sustainability is an integral part of education, innovation, and research.
At KAU there are several Faculties that focus on environmental studies including:
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Earth Sciences
Faculty of Marine Sciences
Faculty of Maritime Studies
Faculty of Architecture and Planning
These Faculties provide Undergraduate (Bachelor), and postgraduate (masters and Doctoral) degrees related to the field of climate and environmental studies.
Furthermore, all the courses that lead to earning such degrees are available to every KAU student to enroll in them as elective courses leading to other degrees.
In addition, there are several other courses that are available at KAU related to sustainability and environmental studies which leads to other degrees including Sciences, Marine Sciences, Geography, Engineering Geology and Environment, Urban Planning …etc.
Programs offered by Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Program Specification of Environmental Sciences
Bachelor
● Arid Land Agricultural (Renewable Natural Resources)
● Arid Land Agricultural (General Program)
● Arid Land Agricultural (Water Resources)
● Arid Land Agricultural (Environmental sciences and Technology)
● Arid Land Agricultural (Meteorology)
● Arid Land Agricultural (Environmental Health)
Masters
● M. Sc. Arid Land Agriculture
● BSc Program specification 2020_HWR
● Master of Science (Hydrology and Water Resources Management)
Doctoral
Climate Science and Environmental Sustainability Related Courses
KAU is committed to promoting climate literacy and environmental awareness by offering a diverse range of courses focused on Climate Science and Environmental Sustainability. These courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, analyze, and address global environmental challenges. Our curriculum includes both foundational and advanced courses that cover key topics such as climate change mitigation, sustainable resource management, environmental policies, and ecological conservation.
Our courses are officially recognized for academic credits and contribute to students' overall academic progression. These credits are an integral part of degree programs in environmental science, climate studies, and related disciplines, ensuring that students receive structured and accredited learning experiences. By offering courses that lead to recognized qualifications in climate science and environmental sustainability, KAU equips students with the necessary expertise to address environmental challenges and drive sustainable solutions at a global level. This is a list of courses that directly align with Climate Science or Environmental Sustainability, with their Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) and Course Content clearly outlined. All these courses are offered under the College of Environmental Sciences and provide academic credits that contribute toward a formal qualification in Climate Science or Environmental Sustainability, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
For more details view Climate science& Sustainability courses (click here)
Beside the various Departments in different Schools at KAU, there are a number of Research Centers working in the climate change related issues. The list of the Research Centers in KAU are the following:
King Abdulaziz University's College of Earth Sciences is offering a unique opportunity for both male and female students to earn a General Associate Diploma in Crisis and Disaster Management. Additionally, students will receive a professional certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from NEBOSH, all within a single academic year (2023).(click here)
It is worth noting that in 2022, the first-of-its-kind program in Saudi universities was established, which is the Executive Master's Program in Environmental Health and Safety.
The university announces the opening of the Meteorology Diploma for the academic year 2023(click here)
Community Awareness Training and Campaigns
The Center of Excellence for Environmental Studies and the Unit of Activities and Skills have collaborated with Deanship of Student Affair to offer the Student Skills License in its third edition, "Leadership in Sustainable Development." Which is scheduled from 1-10-2023 to 28-11-2023, Where several workshops are offered such as:
Introduction to Sustainable Development
Designing Sustainable Initiatives
Towards an Eco-Friendly Community
Concepts of Spending Efficiency
Tools for Generating Creative Idea
The Acting President of the University opened the “Environment, Humanity, and Sustainable Thinking” Forum, organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs and the Center of Excellence for Research in Environmental Studies. Starting on October 18, 2023, the two-day event at King Faisal Conference Center showcases student initiatives in environmental preservation.
The forum offers training courses, dialogue sessions, lectures, workshops, and debates to promote environmental awareness and support sustainable development, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
It features diverse programs and events aimed at enhancing community quality of life. Opening Sessions:
• Sustainable Management
• Environmental Sustainability as a Lifestyle to Achieve Saudi Vision 2030 Courses:
• Technology and Sustainability
• Green Practices and Applications
• How to Achieve Sustainability in Your Field
• Sustainable Thinking and Its Applications Workshops:
• Trends in Sustainable Development and Its Impact on National Identity
• Sustainable Environmental Awareness and Its Role in Enhancing Quality of Life (for more info click here)
“Our Land… Our Future” – World Environment Day 2024 Event The Faculty of Environmental Sciences at King Abdulaziz University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and other academic partners, organized the “Our Land… Our Future” forum as part of the World Environment Day 2024 activities. The event featured a series of expertled sessions covering sustainable agriculture, afforestation, climate change, desertification control, and community engagement. This forum reflects the university’s commitment to advancing environmental awareness and supporting climate education in alignment with national sustainability goals.(click here)
The “Redefining Plastic” Competition at King Abdulaziz University in Collaboration with the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) and SABIC King Abdulaziz University, represented by its Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, hosted its closing ceremony for the “Redefining Plastic” competition under the slogan “Young Innovators for a Changing Future.” The event was held in collaboration with SABIC and the Oil Demand Sustainability Program, in strategic partnership with the Scientific Endowment. The winners were announced as follows: • Team “Eco Design” from the College of Architecture and Planning and the College of Human Sciences & Design — First Place • Team “Hydro Guard” from the College of Science — Second Place • Team “EcoHup” from the College of Economics & Administration and the Applied College — Third Place This initiative aims to support innovation among young people, enabling them to propose sustainable environmental solutions to the plastic problem, and to strengthen their ability to think creatively and responsibly about the future of our planet. (click here)
Environmental Sciences Students Visit Hada Environmental Treatment Plant in Collaboration with the National Water Company
As part of the collaboration between King Abdulaziz University and the National Water Company, the Hada Environmental Treatment Plant welcomed a group of students from the College of Environmental Sciences. The students observed the stages of water treatment carried out at the plant and listened to an explanation detailing the company's efforts to protect the environment and utilize renewable water resources. (click here)
KAU implements and provides community open to public, based educational awareness courses and campaigns on climate change, environmental awareness, and community contributions related to environmental conservation and sustainable resource use.
“Sustainable Food” The Center of Excellence for Environmental Studies at King Abdulaziz University presents a public open lecture via zoom. (click here)
The World Environment Day event at King Abdulaziz University, inviting participants to explore creative solutions for drought resistance and land restoration through art and innovation. The exhibition highlights ideas that support a more sustainable environment. (click here)
General Invitation Within the activities of World Environment Day, the College of Environmental Sciences, in cooperation with the Health Promotion Center invites to attend two open online sessions entitled: "The Impact of Plastic Pollution" (click here) "Afforestation and its Impact on Environmental Health"(click here)
The Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture invites you to attend an online session pen to public titled:
“A Safe Environment”
As part of Arabic Environment Day activities.Lectures:
1. First Lecture: “Vegetation and Desertification Reduction”
· Speaker: Dr. Saud Obaid Al-Mashari, Desertification Control Specialist
2. Second Lecture: “Environmental Awareness and Its Impact on Society”
· Speaker: Dr. Atta Mohammed Azzam Al-Zahrani, Environmental Awareness Specialist.
Healthy Homeland” Forum – Community Education on Desertification and Waste Management
As part of its efforts to enhance environmental awareness and strengthen community education on climate-related challenges, King Abdulaziz University organized the “Healthy Homeland” forum through the Faculty of Environmental Sciences in alignment with Arab Environment Day 2024. The event featured two scientific lectures addressing key climate and environmental issues: one on combating desertification and expanding drought, and another on waste management and safe disposal methods. This initiative contributed to improving public understanding of climate challenges and reinforced the university’s role in providing environmental education and promoting sustainable community practices.(click here)
The Faculty of Environmental Sciences organized an online public session titled “Sustainable Afforestation in Arid Regions,” which focused on the importance of afforestation, national greening initiatives, suitable tree species for dry environments, and effective planting techniques. (click here)
King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Human Capacity Development Center, has launched an intensive training program to prepare for the rainy season. The program aims to enhance the skills of university staff and employees in dealing with emergencies and first aid, securing buildings, and evacuating people with disabilities during emergency situations. (click here)
The Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies hosted a scientific lecture titled “Forever Chemicals (PFAS): Sources, Fate of Contaminants, Challenges, Toxicity, and Environmental Regulations,” delivered by Dr. Ruba Abdulfattah Mohammed. The event was part of the center’s efforts to promote knowledge and raise awareness on emerging environmental issues. (click here)
The Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies announced the release of its latest publication titled “Marine Microplastics and the Quest for Remediation,” published by Springer and supervised by a distinguished team of researchers. This achievement reflects the center’s ongoing commitment to advancing scientific output and enriching knowledge in marine environmental fields. (click here)
“Our Land, Our Future” forum
The Faculty of Environmental Sciences organized the “Our Land, Our Future” forum in celebration of World Environment Day, which included a lecture titled “Climate Change and Its Impact on Desertification and Drought.”(click here)
In line with the priorities of King Abdulaziz University to activate its community service role and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the College of Environmental Sciences implemented during 2024 several awareness-raising and field programs aimed at enhancing environmental awareness, developing volunteer skills, and strengthening partnerships between the university and the local community. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030’s “Vibrant Society” pillar and affirm the university’s leadership role in serving the environment and society. (click here)
1. Planting Seedlings at King Abdulaziz University
– A field event inside the campus involving students and faculty, planting various seedlings to connect theoretical concepts with real-world practice.
– It aims to promote tree-planting within the university, increase awareness of plants’ role in air quality improvement, and develop volunteering and environmental skills.
– Outcomes included planting several seedlings across campus and raising students’ awareness of the importance of afforestation.(click here)
2. Environmental Awareness Exhibition
– Organized during the 2024 Environment Week at the university, with participation from students and relevant entities, to spotlight environmental protection and resource conservation.
– Objectives: raise visitors’ awareness, explain proper practices with waste and recycling, and strengthen responsibility between individuals and institutions.
– The results included increased visitor knowledge of correct environmental practices and motivation to adopt eco-friendly behaviours.(click here)
Faculty and student members from the College of Environmental Sciences contribute to community awareness through the Environmental Exhibition at Red Sea Mall. (click here)
Mobile Awareness Kit at Prince Majid Park
– A field awareness campaign at Prince Majid Park in Jeddah, using a mobile backpack awareness kit to engage park visitors of different ages with environmental education messages.
– Aims: promote culture of environmental care and cleanliness in public spaces, introduce sustainability concepts and waste reduction, and highlight the college and students’ role in community service.
– Outcomes: high engagement from visitors, elevated environmental awareness among children and families, and field experience gained by student volunteers in public communication. (click here)
Visit to the Seedling Nursery at King Abdulaziz Airport
– A field visit by the College of Environmental Sciences’ female students to the nursery at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, to explore its operations and the seedling production stages.
– The aim was to introduce students to the role of nurseries in supporting environmental sustainability and green cover, and to link theory with practical reality.
– The visit resulted in students gaining practical knowledge of nursery operations and enhancing their observation and environmental assessment skills.(click here)
Beach Cleaning Campaign
– A volunteer initiative titled “Our Beach Cleanliness is Our Responsibility” aimed at cleaning a beach in Jeddah from accumulated waste, as part of the college’s drive to enhance environmental consciousness and protect marine life and coastal beauty.
– Objectives: instil values of marine environmental protection, educate students on marine pollution and mitigation, and promote teamwork among participants.
– Results: large amounts of plastic and waste removed, increased environmental awareness among participants and beach-goers, and strengthened student volunteer responsibility. (click here)
kau has provided community awareness courses and campaigns Contribution with government:
The Center of Excellence for Environmental Studies, in collaboration with the National Waste Management Center (Mawan), presents an open public lecture titled: “The Importance of Waste Management - From Waste to Sustainability” (click here)
The Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, in collaboration with the Saudi Society for Environmental Sciences and the Saudi Meteorological Society, organized a scientific seminar addressing the issue of dust storms and their environmental and economic impacts. The event featured experts from relevant fields and aimed to raise awareness of climate and environmental challenges.(click here)
Environmental Awareness Campaign – “Get to Know… Your Environment”
As part of its societal responsibility toward environmental protection and sustainability, the Faculty of Environmental Sciences participated in Environment Week 2024 by launching a social-media awareness campaign titled “Get to Know… Your Environment.”
The campaign featured a series of educational posts addressing key environmental topics such as plastic pollution, afforestation, waste reduction, and nature conservation, aiming to enhance public awareness and promote sustainable environmental practices.To reach the posts(link1, link2,and link3)
The university posted materials on its social media platforms and across the campus to raise community awareness about environmental sustainability, water sustainability, and food sustainability.
Awareness posts for Environment Week 2023: Awareness and re-sharing of awareness posts to support the National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation (MAEE-KSA) as a government entity regarding water sustainability. "Together for Contributing to Water Sustainability" Water Consumption Efficiency Label Helps you choose the most water-efficient products for your water usage. (click here)
Awareness publications from the Center of Excellence for Environmental Studies on sustainability topics:
A post to introduce Environment Week Achieving environmental sustainability Raising awareness of various pollutants Promoting community environmental awareness.
Post is about daily habits that reflect environmental awareness such as: Switch your home lighting to energy-saving LED lights. Use a water-saving accessory in your home faucets. (click here)
Post about what sustainability is and how can we promote sustainability in universities? (click here)
• Local procurement
• Bike rental
• University Garden
• Digital transformation
• Recycling bins
• Composting programs
World Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day "Stop Wasting Food for People and Planet" By: Home Gardening Using Vegetable Peels and Bones Planning Your Meals Preparing Meals Weekly. (click here)
It is important to mention that throughout 2023, The Saudi Society for Environmental Sciences fosters collaboration with government, private, and non-profit sectors through open events and community participation. (for more details click here)
Also, The Center of Excellence for Research in Environmental Studies has successfully delivered several programs and courses. (click here)
Global Climate Education Events
Prof/Dr. Mansour of Almazroui is a faculty of king Abdulaziz university participate in several seminars.
seminar titled “Adaptation and Resilience in Facing Climate Change and Natural Disasters: A Future Perspective.” organized by the Ghaith International Center for Training and Consulting and the International Training and Consulting Company, via zoom, The event will feature:
• Professor Mansour Almazroui: Member of the Climate Change Council, a prominent expert in climate change science.
• Dr. Firas Saleh: An expert in sustainable energy and water resources, who will discuss climate resilience and natural disasters, with extensive experience from the United Nations. (click here)
Mediterranean Geosciences Union (MedGU) annual meeting entited:
Climate Change in the Middle East and North Africa Region: Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategies in Istanbul (click here)
A televised interview was conducted with Dr. Mansour Al-Mazrouei on CGTN’s program “The Heat”, where he addressed the issue of climate extremes occurring around the world, including rising extreme temperatures. He also discussed the upcoming COP29 conference and highlighted the urgent need for climate financing to support the development of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). (click here)
Prof/ Dr. Mohamed El-Fleet is a faculty of king Abdulaziz university participating in several seminars.
As a contribution from the Center to enhance its international engagements, Dr. Muhammad Al-Faleet, a member of the Center, made a distinguished presence as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Annual Alliance Forum for Deans of the Environment in China, which was organized by Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Tongji University (United Nations Environment Programme), and Shansi University of Science and Technology.(click here)
The Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies at King Abdulaziz University participated remotely in the workshop “Rethinking Researcher Assessment and Incentives at U.S. Academic Institutions” through its researcher Dr. Mohammed Al-Fleit.(click here)