Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

12/02/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

Climate Change Statistics is a statistical product that adopts a systematic, comprehensive, and internationally consistent approach aligned with international concepts and classifications. Data are collected from multiple sectors, reflecting environmental, social, and economic aspects. This product goes beyond producing statistics, as it measures indicators related to climate change—from causes to policies and actions—in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across the following key areas: 

•    Drivers of Climate Change measures “human causes of climate change in relation to emission sources.
•    Climate change impacts measures "the impact of climate change on humans and natural systems".
•    Climate change vulnerability measures “the exposure or inability of a system to deal with the adverse effects of climate change.”
•    Climate change mitigation measures "human efforts to avoid the effects of climate change".
•    Climate change adaptation measures “actions taken to adapt to impacts".

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the climate change statistics publication.
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4) used to describe the productive activities of an establishment.
The classifications are available on the GASTAT’s website:   Classifications - General Authority for Statistics
International statistical framework for climate change statistics:
The structure of the framework developed by the United Nations, which includes numerous statistics and indicators related to climate change, is divided into five main areas: "drivers, impacts, vulnerability, mitigation, and adaptation" of climate change. Each area has a list of headings, including 34 climate change titles identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 158 indicators, and 190 statistical indicators. These statistics measure the drivers, impacts, vulnerability, mitigation, and adaptation of climate change and are critical to supporting local and global environmental policies. The structure of the framework is also classified into 3 levels according to their direct relevance to climate change, methodology maturity, and data availability.
Link to the framework: International statistical framework for climate change statistics

Statistical concepts and definitions

Concepts and terminology of the Climate Change Statistics publication:

•    Sea level Change:
 The relative change in sea level (rise or fall) relative to land. 
•    National average surface temperature change:
It is the average change in surface temperature at the national level.
•    Average change in sea surface temperature:
 The change indicates the deviation of sea surface temperature from average conditions.
•    Annual rainfall rate:
 It is the rate of change in annual rainfall compared to the average of the reference period.
•    Rate of change of energy density:
 The rate of change refers to energy use by production activities at the national level.
•    Water use per capita:
 The amount of water, whether self-extracted or received from a water supply, used by end-users, such as households or economic activities, for their own production or consumption processes.
•    Collected municipal waste per capita:
It refers to the amount of waste collected by the municipalities, from which the per capita share is calculated.

Data sources

Climate change statistics rely on a variety of data sources, including administrative records available from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and its affiliates, as well as the Ministry of Energy and its affiliates, surveys conducted by the Authority, and statistical models used for spatial analysis, in addition to supporting secondary sources such as population census data and other related official data. The purpose of this diversity in sources is to enhance the accuracy of analysis and the comprehensiveness of spatial coverage.
The Climate Change Statistics publication data is based on three sources:
First source: Surveys and statistical publications issued by the General Authority for Statistics
•    Household Environment Statistics.
•    Household Energy Statistics.
Second source: Administrative record data from government entities 
•    Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
•    Ministry of Energy 
Third source: Open-source alternative data
•    Monitoring stations.
•    Satellites and remote sensing.

Designing the data collection tool

Data were collected using standardized data request forms sent to the data-providing entities to obtain periodic, harmonized, and well-documented data derived from administrative records related to climate change indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on registry data available from the relevant authorities.

Statistical population

The statistical population for the Climate Change Statistics Publication consists of all environmental, economic, and social units related to the impacts of climate change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are covered by administrative records, statistical surveys, and alternative data sources. including:
•    Economic activities related to energy and natural resources according to the National Classification of Economic Activities (ISIC4). 
•    Individuals and households aged 15 years and above, based on environmental and household energy surveys.
•    Ecosystems and natural resource indicators (such as water, waste, and energy), based on administrative records.

Sample Design

Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on registry data available from the relevant authorities and uses only final output from surveys and secondary data.

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The statistical unit consists of all environmental, economic, and social units related to climate change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, such as individuals and households, economic establishments, and ecosystems (water, waste, and energy).

Data collection

Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with GASTAT's relevant departments involved in conducting the survey and managing data collection, the administrative data of the climate change statistics publication is obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
The data is stored in the authority's databases after undergoing auditing and review processes following approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. If errors or discrepancies are discovered, the data is cross-referenced with the data source for correction or clarification.

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for Climate Change Statistics is conducted on an annual basis.

Reference area

Climate change statistics publication covers 13 administrative regions in Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

Data from administrative records are based on the last day of the reference year.

Base period

Not applicable, as the product does not rely on index methodology or the calculation of relative changes compared to the base year, but rather aims to measure the characteristics and uses of climate change statistics during a specific reference period.

Measurement unit

•    Indicators measured in numbers (e.g., Water use per capita)
•    Indicators measured in averages (e.g., Average temperature change).
•    Indicators Calculated as Rates (e.g., Rate of change of rainfall).
•    Indicators calculated as percentages (e.g., Rate of change of energy density).
•    Indicators of air emission concentrations and water quality, measured in units of mass/volume, parts per million (ppm), or specific units such as pH.

Time coverage

Data for the Climate Change Statistics Publication is provided based on the available administrative records approved by the relevant authorities. The publication includes indicators covering the period from 2010 to 2024. 

Publication frequency

Publishing the results of Climate Change Statistics on an annual basis according to the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

The data is reviewed and validated to ensure its accuracy in a manner appropriate to its nature, to enhance the quality and accuracy of the statistics provided. 
The current year’s publication data is compared with the previous year’s data to ensure its validity and consistency in preparation for data processing, extracting results, and reviewing them.
In addition to the data processing and tabulation to check their accuracy, all the outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being calculated by GASTAT to be reviewed and processed by specialists in Environment, Agriculture, and Energy Statistics Department through modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources

Climate Change Statistics rely on integrating and combining data from multiple sources when calculating some of their indicators to achieve data integration and enhance their accuracy and comprehensiveness. This is achieved by utilizing administrative records from the relevant authorities (the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy) and linking them with statistical data issued by the General Authority for Statistics to calculate composite indicators related to climate change statistics.

Imputation and calibration

Processing and analyzing data in this stage was performed based on the following measures:
•    Sorting and arranging data in groups or different categories in a serial order.
•    Summarizing detailed data into key points or data.
•    Combining many data segments and ensuring their interconnection.
•    Handling incomplete or missing data.
•    Processing illogical data.
•    Converting data into statistically significant data.
•    Arranging, presenting, and interpreting data.

The applied statistical equations:

GASTAT has relied on the formulas approved by the international standards in calculating the key indicators for the climate change statistics publication, as follows:
•    Sea level Change= sea level rise for the current year - average reference period
•    National average surface temperature change = average surface temperature for the current year - average reference period
•    Average sea surface temperature change = average sea temperature for the current year - average reference period 
•    Rate of change for rainfall= average amount of rainfall for the current year - average reference period.
•    Rate of change of energy intensity = 

•    Water use per capita =  

•    Collected municipal waste per capita = 

•     Percentage of green spaces in urban areas =   

•    number of registered vehicles per household = 

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, the results are published in final form, and the draft results are not published

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable. The results are published in their final form and are not released as preliminary results.

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates how well the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

The Climate Change Statistics product aims to provide essential and structural data across various areas and to build a reliable information base that supports decision-makers and researchers. It also contributes to the preparation of studies and conducts local, regional, and international comparisons in environmental fields related to climate change.
Internal users in the GASTAT for climate change statistics publication data:
•    Social statistics 
•    Economic statistics.
•    Environmental and Natural Resources Statistics 
Several external users and beneficiaries benefit from the climate change statistics publication data, including:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.
Key variables that are mostly used by external users:

Completeness 

The Climate Change Statistics Publication is based primarily on administrative records available at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy, in addition to statistical surveys conducted by GASTAT and the statistical models used for spatial analysis. It also relies on secondary supporting sources such as population census data, open data, big data, and other related official data sources in order to provide comprehensive information on climate change with complete data coverage.

Accuracy and reliability 

A standard that measures how close the calculations or estimates are to the exact or true values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

•    Data is checked with previous years to identify any significant changes in the data.
•    The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
•    The relationships between variables are examined, and consistency between different data series is verified.
Errors that may be detected and affect data accuracy:
•    Updating administrative records:
Minor variations may exist between the data received from the source and the data published in annual reports and open data, due to delays in updates or differences in reference period for some indicators.
•    Data aggregation errors:
Totals may not match the details by administrative regions or business regions due to differences in aggregation methods or category classifications at the source.
Data accuracy and reliability are ensured through the following procedures:

•    Reviewing and auditing administrative records received from the relevant authorities.
•    Verifying the relationships between variables to ensure logical consistency.
•    Comparing data over time with previous years to identify any significant changes in values or trends.
•    Ensuring internal consistency by verifying that totals match the details at the administrative region and business regions.
•    Cross-checking the data with information published by other official sources as supporting data for comparison and accuracy verification.
•    Applying multi-stage review procedures before approving the final results to ensure the stability and accuracy of statistical outputs.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness: A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality: It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.

Timeliness 

The General Authority for Statistics is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

Climate Change Statistics are published according to the release dates specified in the statistical calendar available on GASTAT's website, following the schedule outlined in the statistical calendar.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

Climate Change Statistics are fully comparable geographically across administrative regions and business regions within the Kingdom, as well as at the regional and international levels. This comparability is based on the standards adopted in the preparation of climate change data tables, which are built on internationally adopted concepts, definitions, and classifications from the relevant authorities.
In addition, the geographical distribution of business regions and administrative regions has not undergone any changes during the reference period, ensuring the stability of spatial comparisons and preventing any impact on key indicators or their related variables.

Comparability - over time 

 The data is comparable over time, as no changes have been made to the methodology used.

Coherence- Cross domain

Climate Change Statistics data are subject to standardized validation and processing procedures, where their consistency is verified by comparing them with data published in other publications, such as the Environmental Statistics Publication and the Oil and Gas Statistics Publication, to ensure the coherence of indicators and avoid any discrepancies across the various statistical publications.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable. Since climate change statistics is published annually with no seasonal or quarter publication. 

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable. Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on registry data available from the relevant authorities.

Coherence- Internal 

The Climate Change Statistics Publication demonstrates internal consistency, with statistics within each dataset aligning in terms of the logical sequencing of values and consistency across various measures, including totals, averages, and percentages.
Internal consistency is verified through:
•    Ensuring that data logically align with one another within the overall context of the bulletin.
•    Ensuring that totals match the details to verify the overall balance of the data.
•    Reviewing the relationships between indicators to ensure their coherence.

Accessibility and clarity

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 9.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT at the link:
Press release

Publications

GASTAT issues the Climate Change Statistics publication and reports regularly within a pre-prepared dissemination plan, and they are published on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain publication tables, data graphs, indicators, and metadata in both English and Arabic.
The results of the Climate Change Statistics publication are available at:
Climate Change Statistics

Online database

It will be published on the statistical database platform.
Statistical Database – General Authority for Statistics

Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

The General Authority for Statistics adopts a unified methodology in carrying out all its statistical work, according to the nature of each statistical product. It relies on the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), which aligns with the procedures adopted by international organizations, and is implemented in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the quality and efficiency of statistical operations.
For more details, you can refer to the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) via the following link:
Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
Regarding the definitions and concepts used, climate change statistics are based on the:
international statistical framework for climate change statistics.

Quality assurance

GASTAT considers the following principles: impartiality, user orientation, quality of processes and outputs, effectiveness of statistical processes, and reduced respondent workload.
Quality controls and validation of data are actions carried out throughout the process in different stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT performs all statistical activities according to a national model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final stage of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each stage or sub-process. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report, which outlines all the quality issues related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality – Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

Climate change statistics have been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients' needs, so it immediately provides them with the results once the Climate Change Statistics publication is published.
It also receives questions and enquiries of the clients about the Publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).

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