CLIMATE CRISIS

It's happening here too.

Is Israel ready to tackle climate change?

The climate crisis is here.  

We are already experiencing its impacts, here in Israel: extreme weather, floods and fires are just the beginning. Climate change is expected to impact on public health, the economy, food production, and even on regional security. 

Israel is a small country that contributes little to global GHG emissions.
But our geographical location, the geopolitical reality and our unique socio-demographics make Israel particularly vulnerable to climate change.

It is in our national interest to participate in international efforts to deal with  the climate crisis. It is crucial that Israel move forward on implementing legislation, policies, and climate adaptation and resilience measures 
without  further delay.

50% +

Increase in the number of days in which temperatures will be over 35°C / 95°F in most Israeli cities.
The temperatures at night will also increase.

378

Specific adaptation measures a government decision suggested for Israel's expected rising tides, temperatures, droughts, extreme storms and forest fires.
In the first 3 years since the 2018 decision, only 16% of these measures were implemented.

10%

Fewer rain days in Israel yet double the amount of rain per minute.
Israel's inadequate drainage system cannot cope, causing flooding and infrastructure damage.

340

The number of heat wave-caused deaths expected per month by 2050.
That is an increase of 8.5% to the average monthly mortality rate in Israel.

49° / 120°F

The expected temperature in parts of Israel during heatwaves.
Annual heatwaves will occur 6 to 7 times by 2050 and will last longer and be more extreme than current ones.

2 x

Israel is warming at twice the global average rate.
We must act now!

Our Climate Crisis

Israel is a tiny country with unique geographic and geopolitical characteristics. As a desert coastal state, we must prepare NOW to meet the threats to our natural environment and essential services.
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Climate Law

Only legislation will provide a full framework for protecting Israelis from the worst impacts of climate change. We drafted a climate bill, and the government is committed to bringing it into law this year.
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Climate Justice

Our national response to the climate crisis must integrate the principles of climate justice. Our report compiles global research and serves as a wake-up call on how far behind Israel is on instituting climate justice for all.
Read more

Climate Resilience

Municipalities are playing a crucial role in adapting to climate change at the local level. The City of Ramat Gan is developing a water resilience project that will serve as a model for all local authorities.
Read more

Climate Adaptation

90% of Israelis live in urban areas. Time for a national push on adapting urban streets and open spaces to more frequent and severe heatwaves.


Read more

Climate & Coasts

Our coastline and beaches are a treasured natural resource. Climate change will extend our summers by at least 20%, and rising sea levels threaten the entire coastal environment.
Read more

Climate in language, location and life

President Isaac Herzog

Isaac Herzog, President of Israel

“The global climate crisis has become an international emergency. It is having an impact on our lives in every respect, from the economy to national security. The establishment of the Israel Climate Forum underscores the importance of dialogue among all parts of Israeli society.”

President Isaac Herzog

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President Isaac Herzog

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“The global climate crisis has become an international emergency. It is having an impact on our lives in every respect, from the economy to national security. The establishment of the Israeli Climate Forum underscores the importance of dialogue among all parts of Israeli society.” (October '21)
President Isaac Herzog, President of IsraelPhoto credit: Avi Ohayon / Government Press Office
President Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
“Leaders are happy to set targets for decades ahead, but flinch when immediate action is needed,” (November '20)
Greta Thunberg, Global Climate ActivistPhoto credit: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez
Greta Thunberg, Global Climate Activist
"I believe the combination of Israel’s public, private and academic sectors will transform the Israeli tech industry into a leading global innovator in climate-tech.” (October '22)
Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation AuthorityPhoto credit: RAD
Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority
“I have pledged to reduce Israel’s carbon footprint and to completing a successful transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy by 2050.” (April '21)
Prime Minister Binyamin NetanyahuPhoto credit: Avi Ohayon / Government Press Office
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu
"The climate crisis is getting worse and endangering the global economy. The geographical location of the State of Israel already exposes it to more climate risks affecting our health, industry, environment, infrastructure, agriculture and security." (May '22)
Tamar Zandberg, Former Minister of Environmental ProtectionPhoto credit: Itamar Rotem
Tamar Zandberg, Former Minister of Environmental Protection
"The climate crisis is one of the major issues on the world agenda. It concerns the lives of all of us, and also the lives of our children and grandchildren. We are obligated to deal with it in Israel; it is at the core of our being." (October '21)
Naftali Bennet, Former Prime Minister of IsraelPhoto credit: Avi Ohayon / Government Press Office
Naftali Bennet, Former Prime Minister of Israel
“Israel is one of the few countries in the world that does not act based on a national adaptation plan that is budgeted and approved, although it is in a “hotspot” (high-risk area), and thus even more exposed to climate change risks.” (October '21)
Matanyahu Englman, Israel State ComptrollerPhoto credit: Itzik Harari
Matanyahu Englman, Israel State Comptroller
"The State of Israel must anticipate and prepare for significant crises that are emerging, most notably climate change and biodiversity depletion. These are global challenges that have significant implications, including for the State of Israel." (June '20)
Gila Gamliel, Former Minister of Environmental Protection Photo credit: Minister Gamliel's office
Gila Gamliel, Former Minister of Environmental Protection
"Many passages in our scriptures mention the duty to protect and defend the environment. Sustainability isn't just a figure of speech in the new era. It's an inseparable part of our culture, and that's why we're committed to keeping our country safe, clean and protected." (January '23)
Idit Silman, Minister of Environmental ProtectionPhoto credit: Baruch Greenberg
Idit Silman, Minister of Environmental Protection
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Why Israel needs a Climate Law

The Climate Bill will prepare Israel for the climate crisis, while promoting the principles of climate justice.

The Climate Bill will establish reduction targets, including a 45% reduction in emissions and 50% renewable energy. 

משרדי הממשלה השונים יחויבו בהכנת תוכנית היערכות לשינוי אקלים בתחום אחריותם ויקבלו תקצוב מתאים

היערכות לשינוי האקלים עשויה לכלול הקמת תשתיות מתאימות, מוקדי ידע ומחקר, קידום אנרגיות מתחדשות והתייעלות אנרגטית, הטמעת שינויים כלכליים (מיסוי, הקמת מערכת תמריצים) ורגולטוריים (הסרת חסמים)

משרד ראש הממשלה יוביל את התיאום בין משרדי הממשלה השונים סביב משבר האקלים