Nate Hagens from the University of Minnesota spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2018 about the intersection of energy, human behavior, and economics. Hagens argued that society functions as an energy-dissipating "superorganism," with human preferences correlated with increasing energy needs. He emphasized that energy, not money, is the real capital, but global society is running out of it. Why it matters: The talk highlights the importance of viewing society through an ecological lens, particularly in the context of the GCC region's reliance on energy resources.
KAUST's Sami Al-Ghamdi is conducting multidisciplinary research on urban sustainability to mitigate climate change and optimize resource consumption. His work supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly urban gigaprojects like NEOM and Saudi Downtown. He develops computational models to assess the environmental impact of various aspects of the built environment. Why it matters: This research is crucial for advancing sustainable urban development in Saudi Arabia and achieving its ambitious environmental goals.
In a 2018 KAUST lecture, MIT professor Kamal Youcef-Toumi discussed the case of Ordos Kangbashi, a Chinese city designed for a million residents that became a near-ghost town. Despite government incentives, the city struggled due to an economic downturn and lack of social and economic balance. Youcef-Toumi emphasized the importance of the public realm and a balance between social and economic development for successful cities. Why it matters: The analysis provides insights relevant to urban planning in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region, where new cities and megaprojects are being developed.
Dr. Tarek Ali Fadaak, a Shura Council member, discussed the importance of environmental balance and improved resource management in Saudi urban planning during a 2018 KAUST lecture. He highlighted challenges like insufficient and poorly utilized open spaces in Saudi cities, emphasizing the need for aesthetic improvements and more public spaces. Fadaak stressed the importance of investing in the education of Saudi youth to drive future development and address these urban planning challenges. Why it matters: This underscores the ongoing focus on sustainable urban development and the role of Saudi talent in shaping future cities within the Kingdom, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.