The deserts of Saudi Arabia are undergoing a transformation that is surprising people everywhere. As the rain has increased, climate change is altering the amount of rain and the temperatures in the area, the deserts that have covered the land are transforming into farmland, growing green forests, and creating irrigation systems to support the new growth. As the landscape changes so is the lifestyle of those close to the area, and the animals who are finding their way to the newly blooming area.
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Deserts Turning Green
Throughout some areas of Saudi Arabia greenery is being seen popping up. Specifically in the Western areas, with a markedly strong change in a stretch between Mecca and Medina. Both visitors to the area and those who live locally find the change to be surprising and are enjoying watching it as it happens. These changes have been noticeable since 2023, and as it continues there are increasingly green spaces popping up in areas that are normal dry and barren, bringing new plants and animals to graze them.
The beginning of this transformation is rooted in rains that were so heavy they flooded the land. As the water dried and was absorbed it transformed the landscape and began to sprout new sections of greens including grasses, bushes, and patches of trees. Some local farmlands have also formed, growing wheat and other grains. Advanced irrigation systems are being used to move this water from where it has gathered underground to reach the surface and continue to water the crops.
New Species Expanding into Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is well known for their expansive deserts, local wildlife, and sparse vegetation. While there has been an increase in vegetation noticeable since as far back as 1991, in recent years it has seen larger amounts of rain culminating in flooding in some years. This extra water has worked its way through the ground and has drastically increased the groundwater available. With the addition of the extra groundwater irrigation systems are able to access this water and bring it back to the surface for watering new crops and expanding farms.
As the water has begun to affect the land it has also changed what grows there. Areas that have previously remained barren are seeing not only increased vegetation, but new vegetation that hasn’t been seen there in the past. Greater varieties of vegetation have advantages both for the local inhabitants as well as supporting local wildlife and bringing in new animals. The food source is increasing which brings in more animals and creates a more diverse environment. As is often the case, animals will migrate to places that fit their needs, and others will adapt to changes in the environment around them, creating not only a new landscape but new resources, environments, and ecosystems.
Climate Change Affects Rain, Creates Saudi Arabian Oasis
When seeking a reason for the added rain and the changes to the area, climate change has climbed to the top of the list. While a large focus of the conversation around climate change is increased temperatures there are many other effects that are being seen. With this is dryer areas occurring in spaces that are usually lush with growth and see high amounts of rain, and increased snow in areas that usually get little, along with many other differences around the world. As other spaces are finding less rain and increasing temperature, the climate change in Saudi Arabia is brining increased rain and flora growth. As Saudi Arabia turns green, they are continuing to see expansive bush growth and blooms can be seen almost year round.
This change may be permanent, or it may be temporary, leaving many unknowns for the country. As they have increased water coming through the rain, and as this works through to the groundwater which increases their access to the water even during dry periods, there are many ways to expand the growth and take advantage of what has been provided.
Ground Water Increased in Saudi Arabia
Increased rain and water have affected the amount of ground water found beneath the sands and deserts of Saudi Arabia. Using irrigation systems to access this water has increased the farmland and crops that are being planted. Past studies have shown there was enough groundwater to do this for up to 50 years, with the increased amounts extending that time significantly. Ground water is accessible year round and will increase during rainy seasons and decrease during dryer periods of time. Accessing it less as the ground is already saturated will help to extend the period of time this water will last and help to conserve what water is already accessible. Through proper conservation efforts this can be maintained for many years.
Climate change is affecting all countries and creating different environments and ecosystems around the world. One of these effects is being seen as Saudi Arabia is turning green, and it has brought significant changes to their desert spaces, especially noticeably in the Western areas of the country. As the amount of rain, groundwater, plants, and green spaces are increasing it is welcoming increased numbers of animals and some animals that are not traditionally expected. These changes will affect the entire country, and can provide opportunities to improve irrigation systems, upgrade farms, and improve access to water during dry periods of time. This progress has been occurring for decades but has seen a drastic increase in rain since 2023 including periods of flooding that have created lush green spaces. As the floods dry, they leave behind damp earth that has all the nutrients and moisture to grow the plants that are common in surrounding ecosystems and is improving the health of the soil. Increased rain and plant growth also assist in lowering temperatures and providing areas for animals to avoid the direct sun and the stifling heat of the summers, allowing more animals to make their home in the area.
