On 10 March 2026, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) delivered an intervention during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, under the General Debate of Item 3. The organizations highlighted the contradictions between Saudi Arabia’s official discourse on green transition and its climate commitments, and the reality of continued reliance on fossil fuels and rising emissions. They called for increased transparency and concrete measures to reduce emissions in line with global efforts to combat climate change.
We take the floor to express concern regarding the credibility of Saudi Arabia’s proclaimed green transition.
Under Vision 2030 and its 2060 net-zero commitment, Saudi Arabia presents itself as advancing a green transition. Yet independent assessments rate its climate action as “Critically Insufficient,” with emissions projected to rise through 2035. Renewable energy accounts for only around 1% of the national mix, while Saudi Aramco remains the world’s largest oil exporter. Planned production between 2018 and 2030 equals 27 billion tonnes of CO₂, amounting to approximately 4.7% of the remaining 1.5°C carbon budget.
At the same time, megaprojects such as NEOM and The Line rely heavily on oil revenues and require vast energy inputs and water, much of which is produced through fossil-fuel-powered desalination plants. Furthermore, during COP28 and COP30, Saudi Arabia sought to dilute commitments to phase down fossil fuels.
These contradictions undermine the right to health and a safe environment.
We call on the Council to press for transparent reporting, measurable emission reductions, and genuine alignment with global fossil phase-down efforts.
