Saudi Arabia, located in Mecca, has set forth ambitious goals to accommodate a greater number of pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites. However, the rising temperatures caused by climate change pose an additional challenge to the already sweltering region, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage, which extensively takes place outdoors in the desert.
As the influx of pilgrims escalates and international air travel and infrastructure development expand, concerns about sustainability arise. Despite Saudi Arabia’s commitment to obtaining 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, the scale of growth in the pilgrimage industry warrants attention to ensure long-term environmental viability.
The upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, unhampered by the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, will witness an estimated participation of around 2 million individuals. In 2019, approximately 2.5 million people undertook this religious journey. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, aimed at revitalizing the kingdom’s economy, envisions an eventual participation of 30 million pilgrims in the Hajj and Umrah—a smaller pilgrimage conducted throughout the year. This would signify an increase of over 10 million individuals compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The ambitious plans to accommodate a larger number of pilgrims in Mecca and Medina come with significant challenges. The expansion of hotels and infrastructure in these ancient cities, which have already experienced extensive development in the form of high-rises and shopping malls, will be necessary. However, this further urbanization raises concerns about preserving the cultural heritage of these historic locations.
Moreover, the increased influx of pilgrims will result in additional long-distance flights, more vehicles such as buses and cars, as well as greater demand for water and electricity. These factors contribute to the overall environmental impact of the pilgrimage. Unfortunately, it remains unclear whether the Saudi government has conducted any comprehensive studies on the environmental consequences of the pilgrimage or integrated them into their plans. Despite well-intentioned initiatives such as the implementation of a high-speed railway network, addressing the issue of polluting traffic in and around the holy city requires more comprehensive measures.
The Associated Press attempted to obtain insights from several Saudi officials by posing detailed questions, but no response was received. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the level of consideration given to the environmental implications and sustainability aspects within the pilgrimage plans.
The high-speed trains swiftly traverse the arid landscape at impressive speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), providing pilgrims with air-conditioned comfort during their journey from Jeddah to Mecca. However, these trains halt several kilometers away from the Grand Mosque, which means that pilgrims must either embark on a walk of at least an hour or rely on buses or cars to reach the sacred site. The cost of $19 for a one-way trip from Jeddah’s airport to Mecca may also pose a financial challenge for pilgrims with lower incomes.
The Hajj pilgrimage holds immense significance as one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring all capable Muslims to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. For pilgrims, retracing the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad represents a profoundly religious experience that purifies one’s sins, strengthens faith, and fosters unity among Muslims across the globe. It is a deeply meaningful and spiritually transformative journey.
The Saudi royal family’s legitimacy is deeply tied to its role as the custodian of Islam’s most sacred sites and its capacity to host one of the largest annual religious gatherings worldwide.
However, experts have highlighted that the Hajj pilgrimage both contributes to climate change and will be increasingly impacted by it in the future, given the region’s status as one of the hottest places on Earth.
A study conducted by experts from Victoria University in Melbourne analyzed the 2018 Hajj pilgrimage and estimated that it resulted in the production of over 1.8 million tons of greenhouse gases. To put it in perspective, this is approximately equivalent to the emissions generated by New York City in just a two-week period. The study identified aviation as the largest contributor, responsible for 87% of the emissions associated with the pilgrimage.
These findings underscore the need for careful consideration and proactive measures to address the environmental impact of the Hajj pilgrimage, particularly in relation to its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Abdullah Abonomi, a Saudi researcher and co-author of the aforementioned study, Saudi authorities have recognized the importance of sustainability as part of their Vision 2030 initiative. This comprehensive plan aims to preserve natural resources in order to attract not only pilgrims but also tourists and businesses to the region.
Abonomi highlights that significant changes have taken place in recent years. Saudi Arabia has established national centers dedicated to coordinating sustainable policies, created an environmental police force to enforce regulations and combat violations, and incorporated sustainability into university courses focused on tourism.
He emphasizes that the understanding and prioritization of sustainability have undergone a notable transformation. Just a few years ago, there was limited awareness of the concept, but today there is a growing commitment to address sustainability concerns. Abonomi acknowledges that progress might have been delayed, but he remains optimistic, stating that it is better to act now than never.
These efforts indicate a shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach, demonstrating a recognition of the importance of sustainable practices and a desire to improve the environmental impact of the Hajj pilgrimage and overall tourism industry.
In the past, the streets around Mecca were congested with cars and buses transporting pilgrims, emitting exhaust fumes into the air. However, the expansion of the Grand Mosque has led to the creation of larger courtyards and increased pedestrianization in most routes leading to the holy site.
Despite these improvements, bottlenecks occur due to the high number of pedestrians, and garbage accumulates in the sweltering heat. While cars and buses remain common modes of transport in crucial Hajj locations like Mina and Arafat, walking on foot, despite the challenging temperatures, can sometimes be faster.
Saudi Arabia faces the challenge of managing a significant number of pilgrims in a world experiencing rapid warming. The rituals of the Hajj involve extended periods of walking outdoors, including scaling the desert hill known as the Mountain of Mercy and casting stones at pillars symbolizing the devil on a desert plain. Additionally, the majority of the Hajj population consists of elderly individuals who are more susceptible to heat-related risks.
Temperatures in Mecca can reach extreme levels during the Hajj, and the crowds exacerbate the feeling of heat due to limited airflow. As a result, pilgrims often resort to purchasing handheld fans that spray water and various types of umbrellas from local shops near the Grand Mosque.
A 2019 study conducted by experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that even with successful mitigation of climate change, the Hajj would experience temperatures surpassing the “extreme danger threshold” between 2047 and 2052 and from 2079 to 2086.
Given these circumstances, Saudi authorities have implemented measures such as large awnings and misters to cool down pilgrims at the holy sites. However, as temperatures continue to rise, authorities may need to enhance existing cooling strategies or implement new approaches, such as limiting the number of pilgrims during years with higher heat, as suggested by the heat stress study.
In response to the environmental challenges, Muslim activists have initiated grassroots initiatives promoting a “green Hajj.” These initiatives encourage pilgrims to make the journey only once, avoid single-use plastics, and offset carbon emissions by planting trees.
Promoting a “green and sustainable Hajj” is possible through the implementation of smart policies and technology that reduce the ecological footprint, according to Odeh Jayyousi, a sustainability and innovation researcher at the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain. Adopting biodegradable plastics, reusable tents, and renewable energy sources can help minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, utilizing artificial intelligence in logistics can optimize travel arrangements and reduce idle time for planes and buses.
The younger generation is increasingly aware of the need for change in consumption patterns and trade-offs, making the Hajj an opportunity to showcase sustainable practices to a global audience, Jayyousi added.