Methodology and Quality Update
Latest Update on Methodology and Quality
2025/10/05
Statistical Presentation
Data description
The Climate Change Statistics Publication is a statistical product with a systematic, comprehensive, and consistent approach to international concepts and classifications whose data is collected from several sectors reflecting environmental, social, and economic aspects from administrative records, surveys, and open data sources. It is not limited to statistics. It measures indicators related to climate change from causes to policies and actions in Saudi Arabia on key areas as follows:
• 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 website: Classifications - General Authority for Statistics
International statistical framework for climate change statistics:
The structure of the framework includes many statistics and indicators related to climate change and has been divided into 5 main areas, namely "drivers, impacts, vulnerability, mitigation, 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 Climate Change Statistics publication:
• Total primary energy production from fossil fuels:
The amount of energy produced from fossil fuel sources (crude oil and natural gas).
• Sea level rise:
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.
An international unit of measurement for length in the metric system, equal to 1,000
meters or 0.62 miles, and it is the unit used to measure distances between geographical
locations on the earth in most countries.
• Collected municipal waste for each individual:
It is the amount of waste collected by the municipalities.
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 affiliated system, as well as the Ministry of Energy’s system, surveys conducted by the Authority, 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.
• Remote sensing.
Designing the data collection tool
Not applicable.
Questionnaire test (cognitive test)
Not applicable.
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:
• For energy and natural resources-related economic activities 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, energy) through administrative records.
Sample Design
Not applicable.
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, 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.
Measurement unit
• Indicators measured by numbers (e.g.: Water use per capita)
• Indicators measured by averages (e.g.: Average temperature change).
• Indicators Calculated as Rates (e.g.: Rate of change of rainfall).
• Indicators calculated as a percentage (e.g.: Rate of change of energy density).
Time coverage
Climate Change Statistics data are available for some indicators as a time series from 2010 to 2023.
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
Specialists of Environment, Agriculture, and Energy Statistics Department have processed and analyzed data in this stage, and this step was 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.
• Processing 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 international standards in calculating the key indicators for the Climate Change Statistics publication, as follows:
• Total primary energy production from fossil fuels = crude oil production + natural gas production
• Sea level rise = 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 for energy intensity = (energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP for the current year - previous year) / previous year*100
• Water use per capita = amount of water used / population
• Collected municipal waste per capita = amount of collected municipal waste / population
Imputation and calibration
Not applicable.
Seasonal adjustments
Not applicable.
Adjustment of preliminary results
Not applicable, only final results will be published.
Quality dimensions
Suitability
A criterion that indicates how well the product meets users’ needs.
User needs
Internal users in the GASTAT for Climate Change Statistics publication data:
• Social statistics.
• Economic statistics.
• Environmental and Spatial Statistics
Some external users and beneficiaries benefit from the Climate Change Statistics publication data, including:
• Government entities.
• Regional and international organizations.
• Research institutions.
• Media.
• Individuals.
The disseminated key variables used by external users:
• Total primary energy production from fossil fuels
• Sea level rise
• National average surface temperature change
• Average change in sea surface temperature
• Rate of change in rainfall
• Rate of change of energy intensity
• Water use per capita
• Collected municipal waste per capita
Completeness
The data for the Climate Change Statistics Publication are based primarily on administrative record data available from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy, statistical surveys conducted by GASTAT, and statistical models used in spatial analysis, in addition to supporting secondary sources such as population census data and other related official data, to provide comprehensive information on climate change, with the data being complete.
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.
Timeliness and punctuality
A standard that measures the time gap between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
However, timeliness reflects the time difference between the date of data publication and the target date when it is actually published.
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
The publication takes place according to the published release dates on the statistical calendar for Climate Change Statistics publication on the website of the General Authority for Statistics.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.
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
The data follows unified international definitions and standards, ensuring their comparability across geographical areas.
Comparability - over time
The data is comparable over time, as no changes have been made to the methodology used.
Coherence- Cross domain
Not applicable.
Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics
Not applicable
Coherence- National Accounts
Not applicable.
Coherence- Internal
The Climate Change Statistics data is characterized by internal consistency, as logical checks are applied to verify the coherence of values across variables and to compare the product’s data with other statistical products’ data.
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 on the link:
Press release
Publications
GASTAT issues Climate Change Statistics publication and reports on a regular basis within a pre-prepared dissemination plan and 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 Climate Change Statistics publication are available at:
Climate Change Statistics
On-line database
Not available.
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 declares that it considers the following principles: impartiality, user orientation, quality of processes and output, effectiveness of statistical processes, reducing the workload for respondents.
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 of the publication once the Climate Change Statistics publication is published.
It also receives questions and inquiries of the clients about the Publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
• GASTAT official website: www.stats.gov.sa
• GASTAT official e-mail address: info@stats.gov.sa
• Client support e-mail 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).