Saudi temperatures risk topping 80 Celsius - will melt plastic

Surface temperatures in Saudi Arabia could top 70 degrees Celcius, or occasionally 80 degrees if predictions by a government meteorologist prove accurate.

Faisal Al-Zawad, head of forecasting at the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment, Ministry of Defence and Aviation in the Eastern Province, has concluded that annual temperatures will rise by 4.2 degrees by the end of the century, according to the Saudi Gazette.

His research, based on historical analysis of records dating back to 1961, is based on average temperatures, but would mean that summer temperatures could be high enough to melt plastic such as the uPVC used in pipes, plumbing and window frames, according to Arabian Business calculations.

Al Zawad said that rising temperatures would affect society and the economy.

“The rise in temperature as a result of increasing emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will have significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s national economy, rise in energy demand, social lifestyle of the population and production and consumption,” he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

“Global warming can have big effects on agriculture, energy consumptions and various other aspects of daily life."

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READERS' COMMENTS

you like to drive a V8
Posted by Fadi, Beirut, Lebanon on Monday 16 June 2008 at 13:16 UAE time


I hardly find the comment of Mr. Hussein from Jeddah funny at all. It's true the the incredible environmental impact due to the lavish lifestyle is a major factor in the global warming. Therefore, one might at least consider his children and his grandchildren. If you like to drive a V8, perhaps you should take some time to think of your offspring? How selfish can one get? We don't own this earth, we are supposed to pass it on - unburnt - to future generations.

Seeking Job as Watchdog in a Think Tank Organization
Posted by Louie Tedesco, Dubai, UAE on Thursday 12 June 2008 at 08:10 UAE time


High rents predicate me to only affording a V-6 but the long-story-short is indeed true.

I'm seeking a high paying job where I too, can perform baseless research whose results can only be evalauted long after I'm dead. Ideally, I want an oversight role as a "watchdog" in a think tank organization. Please submit offers to the editor.

forget oven...It a microwave out here!
Posted by Hussain M, Jeddah/Thuwal, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday 11 June 2008 at 16:39 UAE time


Did Mr.Faisal Al-Zawad state exactly when he expected the tempratures to hit 70 and 80C
i mean if its going to happen this summer we're in deep trouble and the GCC needs to adapt environmentally sound and sustainable energy strategies now.

However, if its in a 100 years then what do i care? ill be dead from heart disease, suffocation probably testicular cancer
or maybe even suicide due to post traumatic stress disorder that i acquired after paying 40-50 years or so of rent.
or perhaps many of the other physical ailments attributed to our lavish lifestyle.

Long Story short....
Global warming sucks, were all gonna die at some point and we like to drive V8's.

end of comment

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