Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22 and is an opportunity to appreciate our planet and engage people in activities that remind us of our shared responsibility to protect the environment.
This year’s theme Planet vs. Plastics is a reflection on the threats posed by single-use plastics and the importance of minimizing their usage. Worldwide efforts to reduce plastic’s impact on the environment are increasing; 175 UN-member states have recently endorsed a resolution to end plastic pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024. The resolution addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal.
Joining hundreds of organizations across the globe, KAUST will celebrate Earth Day with events and initiatives aimed at environmental education and action.
Highlights of Earth Day at KAUST
Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved in the various activities organized around campus to promote environmental awareness:
Panel discussion on waste management
Time: April 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Building 3 Level 5 Room 5220
Join us for a panel discussion on waste management with different stakeholders who manage waste at KAUST.
Guests: Edama, Facilities Management, HSE, and Community Life.
Panel title: “Sustainability in Action: Addressing Waste Management Challenges at KAUST”
Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) open house tour
Date: April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration here
Join us for an exclusive tour of KAUST’s Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) organized by Facilities Management (FM) and the International Water Association (IWA) KAUST Student Chapter. Discover how our state-of-the-art plant utilizes membrane bioreactors to treat 11,500 m³ of wastewater daily, producing treated sewage effluents averaging a volume of 4,100 m³ that meet World Health Organization (WHO) and international standards.
Cryogenic Carbon Capture tour
Date: Monday, April 22
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Details will be provided to the registered attendees
Limited spots available. Register soon by filling out this form.
Visit the Cryogenic Carbon Capture pilot, one of the KAUST national initiatives. Students for Sustainability, in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts student chapters, are delighted to invite you for a tour to learn about the pilot to capture anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions using cryogenic technologies.
Learn more about the Cryogenic Carbon Capture project led by Professor William Roberts here: https://robertsgroup.kaust.edu.sa/ccc/home and https://fii.kaust.edu.sa/en/energy-industrial-leadership/cryogenic-carbon-capture/
Nature Walk
Dates: April 22
Time: 6:00 a.m.
Location
Register here
HSE is thrilled to announce the revival of our Nature Walks program at KAUST. As part of Wellbeing Week, we are offering a nature walk for you to enjoy to celebrate Earth Day.
Don’t miss out on the chance to join our early morning walk and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of KAUST. Spaces are limited, so be sure to fill out the form below to secure your spot. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Follow this link to learn how KAUST researchers and HSE are collaborating on the theme of the Earth Day: Planet vs. Plastics.
Rabigh Beach Cleaning
Date: April 27 from 7:30 a.m.
Meeting point: Tamimi
Register here
As part of the Wellbeing Week, Community Life is organising a beach cleaning at Rabigh beach. Everyone at KAUST is encouraged to join this volunteer program. Transportation will be provided.
Plastic vs Nature Art
Date: April 22
FM Waste Management team is collaborating with TKS to build an artwork that reflects the impact of plastic pollution on nature. TKS students will participate in the creation of this artwork, which will be displayed in the TKS Garden Campus.
Crochet and Recycle: Pencil case creation workshop
Date: April 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Art Studio: Building 18 Level 4
Sign up here
Join this sustainable and creative workshop and dive into the world of crochet as we transform plastic bags into unique pencil cases. In this hands-on experience, you will learn basic crochet techniques while putting upcycling into practice. At the end of the workshop, you will bring home a pencil case ideal for keeping your stationery organized or gifting to loved ones. Registration is available for students only. This event, sponsored by the Office of Student Life, Graduate Affairs, is a collaboration between Students for Sustainability and The Art Perspective.
Artwork Display
Date: April 22
The FM Waste Management team is planning to display artwork around campus and Discovery Square to raise awareness about plastic pollution.
Bike for Climate
Discover a range of exciting activities to be enjoyed on two wheels during Wellbeing Week and Earth Day 2024 celebrations at KAUST to promote biking across the campus.
This is your chance to pedal against the tide of the greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicles that are fueling global warming.
When you choose to bike, you are powering more than just your health —you are actively supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as Goal #3 for health and wellbeing and Goal #13 for climate action.
Biking activities at TKS
Dates: April 21-25
Various activities have been organized at TKS by students and teachers to promote biking around campus, including safe ride posters and bike maintenance video displays, bike bingo, bike trivia and bike relay.
Sunset rides
Dates: April 21 and 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the Red Sea Cyclists Club for two beautiful rides during sunset. Be prepared for a real workout as we set off for a 30 km ride.
Meeting point: Harbor Recreation Club
Repair shop
Dates: April 23, at 6:30 p.m.
Volunteers from the Red Sea Cyclists Club will help community members and kids to perform small repairs on their bikes, such as lubing chains, aligning shifters and similar activities. This activity is free of cost.
Meeting point: The bike shop at the back of the King Abdullah main mosque.
Bike Race
On April 26, join the Bike Road Race, brought to you by Spokeshub and Community Life as a part of Wellbeing Week. Register here.
All participants must arrive at the starting area ahead of time to confirm their participation at the registration table.
The 13k and 26k bike road races will begin at 6:45 a.m. in two categories:
- Elite Cyclist: two laps, total 26 km distance for 15 years old and above (Time Trial Format)
- Sport Cyclist: one lap of 13 km distance for 15 years old and above (Time Trial Format)
The schedule and map of the event can be found here.
These events promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal #3: Good health and well-being, Goal #12: Responsible consumption and production, Goal #13: Climate action and Goal #17: Partnerships for the goals.
This celebration is a collaboration between Facilities Management, Community Life, HSE, Graduate Affairs, TKS, KEY, IWA-KAUST Students chapter, Students for Sustainability, SPE and SPWLA student chapters, The Art Perspective, Red Sea Cyclists, Spokeshub, and Office of Sustainability.
