Air quality is improving, but work is far from over

Air quality is improving, but work is far from over

Air quality is improving, but work is far from over
Saudi Arabia has at least 240 air quality monitoring stations spread across all regions. (SPA)
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While air quality indicators across Saudi Arabia showed stability in November, signaling progress, the rise in PM2.5 — or pollution — levels in certain areas serves as a reminder that the battle for cleaner air is far from over.

Another air quality indicator is PM10, which refers to particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter and can impact the respiratory system.

A PM2.5 index of 100 micrometers per cubic meter or lower is considered good to moderate. An index above 100 micrometers per cubic meter is unhealthy for sensitive groups including children and those with heart or respiratory conditions. Levels above that are harmful to everyone.

These indicators assess air quality and determine its safety, helping guide measures to protect public health.

Air pollutants include ozone, which can cause health problems, particularly for those with respiratory issues. Sulfur dioxide, typically produced by burning fossil fuels, can irritate the respiratory system, while carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be harmful in high concentrations.

During November, the PM2.5 index in Najran reached 248.9 micrometers per cubic meter, while in Makkah it was 173.8. Tabuk recorded 173.6, and Madinah’s index hit 171.3. The PM2.5 index in the Eastern Province was 159.5.

However, air quality in Al-Baha, Jouf, Riyadh, Qassim, Asir, Hail, Jazan, and the Northern Borders regions remained stable last month, signaling an overall improvement in the Kingdom, except in areas where the PM2.5 index increased.

The stability of air quality in most areas reflects the efforts of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Environmental Compliance in monitoring and analyzing environmental data.

To enhance air-quality monitoring and improve public health protections, the National Center for Environmental Compliance will launch an environmental media monitoring project in early March, using the latest satellite remote-sensing technologies.

Mohammed Al-Dighriri

And despite the noticeable increase in the PM2.5 index in some areas, we are working to enhance environmental awareness and provide the necessary information to the public to reduce exposure to pollutants.

To enhance air-quality monitoring and improve public health protections, the National Center for Environmental Compliance will launch an environmental media monitoring project in early March, using the latest satellite remote-sensing technologies.

The project aligns with the strategic priorities of the center, which aims to ensure a sustainable approach to protecting water, soil and air. It will assess human activities, inform future management plans, and support policies and regulations related to environmental media, while identifying areas needing treatment, recovery, or protection.

The project uses satellite data to monitor and analyze environmental media, including air, water, and soil quality. It tracks changes in ecosystems due to human activities or climate change and collects data on pollution to help the center’s executive departments make informed environmental decisions.

It also includes several stages: using satellites to collect environmental data, processing that data for accurate reports, sharing information with government institutions and companies, and continuously improving data collection and analysis techniques.

The project will provide scientists and research centers with accurate information on environmental changes and support efforts to address environmental disasters, including dust storms and oil spills in coastal areas.

Satellite data used to monitor the environment focuses on tracking changes in vegetation cover, water, and ecosystem distribution, as well as measuring emissions including carbon dioxide, other air pollutants, and greenhouse gases.

The National Center for Environmental Compliance also plans to launch its own satellites, reducing reliance on rented ones as the project expands and demand for data grows. This initiative could take five to 10 years to implement.

Mohammed Al-Dighriri is the director-general of environmental modeling and data analysis at the National Center for Environmental Compliance.

 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan

Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan
Updated 13 min 3 sec ago
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Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan

Algeria’s Nabil Anane defeats Muay Thai icon Superlek at ONE 172 in Japan
  • 20-year-old dominates Thai veteran across 3 rounds at Saitama Super Arena

JAPAN: Algeria’s Nabil Anane picked up the biggest win of his career against Superlek Kiatmoo9 on Sunday in Japan at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.

Anane showed improved striking skills and growing confidence en route to an impressive victory inside the Saitama Super Arena against the martial arts icon who is largely considered the world’s best Muay Thai athlete.

The thrilling matchup was contested across three rounds despite being initially scheduled as a ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title unification bout, with Superlek entering as the division’s titleholder and Anane as interim world champion. The rules changed after Superlek failed his pre-match hydration test and was stripped of his belt.

Even without the chance to unify the world title, Anane had a point to prove against the only man to beat him in the ONE Championship, back in 2023 via first-round-knockout on his promotional debut.

The Algerian put in a much-improved performance, dominating the Thai veteran across three rounds of quick-paced action. Anane’s slick movements made it impossible for Superlek to land big shots, while the 20-year-old utilized his height and reach advantage to unleash powerful punches, kicks, and knees.

In the course of the matchup, Anane also became the first man to ever score a knockdown with a high right kick that saw Superlek bounce off the ropes and land on the canvas.

Anane also became only the second athlete to beat Superlek in the ONE Championship, following Morocco’s kickboxing star Ilias Ennahachi.

The emphatic win raised Anane’s overall professional record to 40-5 and continued his stunning run in form after defeating Scotland's Nico Carrillo, former world title challenger Felipe Lobo, and Lethwei legend Soe Lin Oo.

Anane, who is the youngest-ever WBC Muay Thai world champion, later expressed his delight at beating the Muay Thai and kickboxing icon.

“I’m very happy now. My first dream just came true. I’m so happy; I’ve never been this happy in my life before,” Anane said as he thanked his friends, family, and coaching team led by Mehdi Zatout.

The event, which witnessed four world-title bouts, was headlined by the long-awaited five-round flyweight kickboxing contest in which Thailand’s Rodtang Jitmuangnon claimed a historic knockout win in the first round over Takeru Segawa.

Earlier in the event, Morocco’s Zakaria El-Jamari, who represented Arab nations on the fight card alongside Anane, suffered a disappointing first-round-knockout loss at the hands of Japan’s Hyu Iwata.


Ukraine, US teams begin talks in Saudi Arabia

Ukraine, US teams begin talks in Saudi Arabia
Updated 23 min 35 sec ago
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Ukraine, US teams begin talks in Saudi Arabia

Ukraine, US teams begin talks in Saudi Arabia
  • Ukraine defense minister says talks aim to bring ‘just peace closer’
  • US envoy upbeat, says Russia’s Putin ‘wants peace’

RIYADH: Ukrainian and US officials began talks on Sunday on proposals to safeguard energy facilities and critical infrastructure, Ukraine’s defense minister said, part of a diplomatic push by US President Donald Trump to end three years of war.

The meeting in Saudi Arabia, which precedes talks on Monday between the US and Russian delegations, came as US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the chances for ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

“I feel that (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wants peace,” Witkoff told Fox News on Sunday.

“I think that you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that, you’ll naturally gravitate into a full-on shooting ceasefire.”

Separately, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said on Sunday the United States was talking through a range of confidence-building measures aimed at ending the war, including on the future of Ukrainian children taken into Russia.

Announcing the start of the Riyadh talks, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who is heading his country’s delegation, said on Facebook: “We are implementing the President of Ukraine’s directive to bring a just peace closer and to strengthen security.”

Putin agreed last week to Trump’s proposal for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure for 30 days, but that narrowly defined ceasefire was soon cast into doubt, with both sides reporting continued strikes.

A large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv overnight killed at least three people, including a 5-year-old child, causing fires in high-rise apartment buildings and damage throughout the capital, Ukrainian officials said on Sunday.

Meanwhile Russian authorities said on Sunday that their air defenses had destroyed 59 Ukrainian drones targeting the country’s southwestern regions, adding that the strikes had killed one person in Rostov.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, facing continued advances by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, has backed Trump’s call for a blanket 30-day ceasefire.

‘SOMEWHAT UNDER CONTROL’
Trump said on Saturday that efforts to stop further escalation in the Ukraine-Russia war were “somewhat under control.” The US hopes to reach a broad ceasefire within weeks, targeting a truce agreement by April 20, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the planning.

Asked on Sunday about the goals for the broader negotiations, US National Security Adviser Waltz said that after a Black Sea ceasefire was agreed, “we’ll talk the line of control, which is the actual front lines.”

“And that gets into the details of verification mechanisms, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are,” Waltz said. “And then of course, the broader and permanent peace.”

Britain and France are leading European efforts to beef up military and logistical support for Ukraine, and a number of countries have announced plans to increase defense spending as they try to reduce their reliance on the United States.

However, Witkoff on Sunday played down concerns among Washington’s European NATO allies that Putin might be emboldened by any peace deal in Ukraine to invade other neighbors.

“I just don’t see that he wants to take all of Europe. This is a much different situation than it was in World War Two,” Witkoff said.


Former congresswoman urges limits on PAC donations in US elections

Former congresswoman urges limits on PAC donations in US elections
Updated 30 min 26 sec ago
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Former congresswoman urges limits on PAC donations in US elections

Former congresswoman urges limits on PAC donations in US elections
  • Marie Newman defeated Democrat Congressman Dan Lipinski — who frequently voted in support of Israel — and rejected overtures from pro-Israel lobbyists to support their causes

CHICAGO: A former congresswoman who represented one of the largest concentrations of Arab and Muslims voters is urging the adoption of laws to limit how much groups with foreign lobbying interests can contribute to candidates in elections.

Marie Newman, a Democrat who represented the 3rd Congressional District on Chicago’s Southwest Side and suburbs, which was heavily populated by Palestinian American voters, told Arab News she was beaten because of her support for Palestinian, Muslim and Arab causes and by enormous donations made to her rival by pro-Israel political action committees (PACs).

In 2017, Newman defeated Democrat Congressman Dan Lipinski — who frequently voted in support of Israel — and rejected overtures from pro-Israel lobbyists to support their causes, but immediately faced opposition from pro-Israel PACs when she rejected conditions they demanded in exchange for their support.

“AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Council) hated me with every ounce of their being and made it very clear to me. I refused in the early days of the campaign in 2017 when I first ran to take their money and I really wouldn’t talk to them because I had no interest in talking to them,” Newman said.

“I knew that they would give me a set of talking points on how to address Israel, Palestine and the Arab world and I wasn’t interested. They spent a million-and-a-half-dollars to get me out of office representing the constituents of that district.”

Newman details her election fight against the money poured into the race by AIPAC and the Democratic Majority for Israel lobbying groups in her new book, “A Life Made from Scratch,” which was released this past week.

She advocates for non-violence between Israelis and Palestinians and supported the two-state solution. During the Gaza war, after leaving office, she was also very clear in her criticism of the use of violence by Hamas and Israel’s government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“It’s important to make that clear, that it’s a genocide in Gaza and they must be stopped. So, this position we (the Democrats) have had, that we are betrothed to the pro-Israel lobby is wrong,” Newman said, arguing that she was in line with the majority of the American Jewish community nationally and with mainstream Americans in the Illinois region.

“By the way, 60 percent of Jewish people support a ceasefire and de-occupying the region. I have been talking about getting rid of the occupation in Palestine for close to 10 years. Most, over half of American Jewish people, believe that there should not be an occupation. It’s not a radical idea.”

Newman was attacked in mailers, paid for by PAC money, which falsely accused her of being anti-Israel and antisemitic. Ironically, Newman’s husband is Jewish.

She called for all PAC money, whether from a foreign lobby like Israel, or from a domestic group lobbying for corporations and specialty industries, to be eliminated or drastically limited in election campaigns. She said the issue is not just about foreign influence, but also the enormous influence PACs have on important domestic issues.

“The reasons we don’t have healthcare is because of corporate PACs. The reason we don’t have solid relationships everywhere in the world is because of these foreign entity PACs like AIPAC and Democratic Majority for Israel,” Newman said.

“The most egregious corporate players are in health insurance, the pharmaceutical industry, big oil, and the banking industry. Those four industries own Congress. Something over 90 percent of Congress takes corporate PAC money from those entities frequently.”

Newman noted that 12 members of Congress were forced out of office in the last election because of their criticism of Israel’s government.

“There’re 12 of us who are no longer in Congress because (AIPAC uses) the same formula where they either create a scandal, a fake scandal or false accusations, and then they beat you down. They raise millions of dollars against you. They put the money into the election race and they support your opponent,” Newman said, noting that the money is used to make the false accusations believable to voters.

“They make an accusation, and then they raise huge amounts of money, enormous amounts of money, sometimes without limits, and then use that money to push that accusation against you, even if the accusation is false … They used the money to weaponize antisemitism.”

Newman rejected assertions against her of antisemitism or that she is anti-Israel, and emphasized: “At the same time, you want to be fair to people, the Palestinians.”

Election law limits to $6.600 the sum a married couple who are voters can give to a candidate in one election, Newman said.

She said it was unfair to American voters that PACs representing domestic industries such as healthcare, banks or the pharmaceutical industry, or that advocate for policies of foreign countries, can donate unlimited amounts of money to candidates drawing what American voters are allowed to contribute.

“It’s one of the reasons I wrote my book. PAC money drives everything in Washington D.C. and, sadly, what happens when corporations and when politicians are beholden to corporate PACs and foreign entity PACs is that that money takes away the voice of the American people and it is replaced by the ‘talking points’ of those PACs,” Newman said.

While Newman was serving, pro-Israel PACs and political activists lobbied the Illinois legislature to redraw the congressional district maps. Newman’s 3rd District was divided and merged into five other districts to dilute the pro-Arab vote.

She was beaten when in 2022 she was forced into a contest in a newly drawn congressional district with the incumbent, three-term pro-Israel Democratic Congressman Sean Casten.


Hamas says Israeli strike kills political bureau official Salah Al-Bardawil

Hamas says Israeli strike kills political bureau official Salah Al-Bardawil
Updated 52 min 12 sec ago
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Hamas says Israeli strike kills political bureau official Salah Al-Bardawil

Hamas says Israeli strike kills political bureau official Salah Al-Bardawil
  • Bardawil, 65, was killed along with his wife in a camp in Al-Mawasi, near Khan Yunis
  • He is the third member of the political bureau to be killed since Israel resumed air strikes on Tuesday

GAZA CITY: Palestinian group Hamas confirmed on Sunday that Salah Al-Bardawil, a senior member of its political bureau, was killed in an Israeli air strike in southern Gaza the previous day.
Bardawil, 65, was killed along with his wife in a camp in Al-Mawasi, near Khan Yunis, according to the Palestinian Islamist movement.
He is the third member of the political bureau to be killed since Israel resumed air strikes on Tuesday, after Yasser Harb and Essam Al-Dalis, the head of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military confirmed Sunday that it had targeted Bardawil, saying that “as part of his role, (he) directed the strategic and military planning” of Hamas in Gaza.
His “elimination further degrades Hamas’ military and government capabilities,” it added.
Bardawil, born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp, joined Hamas when it was founded in 1987, serving as a spokesman before rising through the ranks and being elected to the political bureau in 2021.
He spoke against security cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, and supported armed struggle against Israel.
Detained by Israel in 1993 and interrogated for 70 days, according to Hamas, Bardawil was also arrested several times by the security forces of the Palestinian Authority.
In the flare-up since last week, Hamas has also announced the deaths of interior ministry head Mahmud Abu Watfa, and Bahjat Abu Sultan, the director general of the Internal Security Services.
Hamas sources said on Sunday that Mohammed Hassan Al-Amur, the bodyguard of slain leader Yahya Sinwar, was killed in an overnight strike on his home in Khan Yunis.
Hamas has been considerably weakened by the deaths of many of its leaders, both inside and outside the Gaza Strip, since the start of the war triggered by its deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The head of Hamas’s political wing, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran on July 31, 2024, in an explosion claimed by Israel. His successor Sinwar died on October 16 in Gaza.


France’s Dassault says upping Rafale warplane output

France’s Dassault says upping Rafale warplane output
Updated 23 March 2025
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France’s Dassault says upping Rafale warplane output

France’s Dassault says upping Rafale warplane output
  • EU countries have been seeking to boost defense spending in the face of possible US security disengagement and Russian aggression
  • Macron said that France was going to 'increase and accelerate Rafale orders'

PARIS: France’s Dassault Aviation is looking to ramp up production of its Rafale combat planes, its CEO said on Sunday, after President Emmanuel Macron said the country would increase orders.
European countries including France have been seeking to boost defense spending and increase weapons production in the face of possible US security disengagement and Russian aggression linked to the war in Ukraine.
Macron said on Tuesday that France was going to “increase and accelerate Rafale orders.”
Dassault Aviation chief executive Eric Trappier said the company had increased output from one war plane a month in 2020 to more than two per month this year, and was working with suppliers to be able to produce combat planes even faster.
“We are planning to deliver three per month next year, and four from 2028-2029,” he told Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper.
“We have heard the president’s call and are studying the possibility of ramping up to five Rafale per month. There are no concrete orders yet, but we want to be ready,” he said.
However, he did not say when this might be possible.
Trappier said that, if the French government approved, the company would also be “ready to provide its services” to any country reviewing its orders for US-made F-35 combat planes since President Donald Trump took office.
On Friday, Germany said it was committed to buying F-35 fighter jets despite reports that it was reconsidering due to worries about an over-reliance on US defense supplies.
But Canada said last week it was reviewing a major purchase of F-35s amid serious tensions over tariffs and Trump threatening to annex the country.
That announcement came two days after Portugal said it, too, was re-examining a possible purchase of F-35 fighter jets.
Trappier said that Portugal had not yet reached out to his company.
Last year, France’s air force had 108 Rafale jets, and the navy had 41. France was due to receive 56 additional aircraft before Macron’s announcement.
The defense minister last month said the air force needed 20 to 30 more Rafales to face a crisis scenario.