Saudi Arabia signs up to net zero

Riyadh insists carbon neutrality is compatible with plans to raise oil and gas production

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, took to the stage at the inaugural Saudi Green Initiative summit in the Saudi capital of Riyadh to pledge his country would achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Designed partly to curry favour with Washington and to polish the young royal’s heavily tarnished international reputation, the move’s symbolism was undoubtedly powerful and was welcomed by those pushing for stiffer commitments from other G20 states in the run-up to Cop26 climate change summit. Domestically, some of the shifts required will be radical. Globally, however, the practical impact will be minimal—the razzmatazz surrounding the proclamation serving also to