A professor at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) inspects plants at an experimental farm outside the campus in Thuwal in the Red Sea Jeddah governorate on November 21, 2023. Saudi Arabia, which is hosting the United Nations' COP16 conference on drought and desertification this week -- is betting on green innovation to transform its deserts, but accusations of greenwashing and doubts about technological viability highlight the challenge of turning ambitious projects into genuine climate solutions. (Photo by Amer HILABI / AFP) (Photo by AMER HILABI/AFP via Getty Images)