Electric racing series Extreme E has launched a Legacy Programme in Saudi Arabia, ahead of the Desert X Prix, 17-18 Feb 2024.
The off-road electric racing championship’s has teamed up with CORDAP to raise awareness and support R&D to help conserve and restore coral reefs. The partnership is led by Professor Carlos Duarte, CORDAP’s Executive Director and member of Extreme E’s Scientific Committee, and is joined by scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and R&D start-up Ocean Revive.
In an effort to raise awareness of the global threats facing corals, Extreme E drivers were invited to explore firsthand the fragile nature of coral reefs and the crucial role they play in the marine ecosystems. They took part in a coral planting exercise before visiting KAUST’s state-of-the-art marine research facilities to meet with leading students from the university.
As a collaborative project, CORDAP provides input on the global challenge to conserve and restore coral reefs and the need to advance R&D toward the overarching objective of coral preservation.
Driving awareness of climate change and its impact on corals
Extreme E is an off-road racing series, founded by the same team behind Formula E, which showcases electric SUVs and new racing technologies in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. The series’ goal is to highlight the impact of climate change, promote the adoption of electric vehicles to pave the way for a lower carbon future, and provide a world-first gender-equal motorsport platform.
This five-event series utilises its sporting platform for the purpose of promoting electrification, environment and equality. Extreme E aims to minimise environmental impact while maximising awareness, racing in places that have already been damaged or affected by climate change or human interference.
In 2025, Extreme E will transition into Extreme H – the world’s first hydrogen off-road racing series – and will be recognised as an FIA Championship from 2025.
Ahead of the partnership launch, Professor Carlos Duarte said “Coral is a vital part of the ecosystem in the Red Sea and with the help of Extreme E and their legacy project partners, we can take an important step in supporting the preservation and restoration of coral reefs.”
Photo credits: Sam Bagnall