Climate change in Israel
Israel, like many other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, experiences adverse effects from climate change.
Furthermore, vulnerable communities such as the Palestinians, Bedouins, women, children, the elderly, and the chronically ill will experience the brunt of the burden of climate change.
[24][25] Although greenhouse gas emissions have steadily risen from 1996 to 2007, as of 2010, concentrations of Nitrogen oxides and other pollutants have decreased around major traffic sites.
[26] Additionally, falling Sulfur oxide levels have been observed and attributed to more efficient fuel use in industrial power plants.
[29] In June 2023, 300,000 people in Israel were left without electricity in the middle of a heatwave, which showed that the country is not prepared for the impacts of climate change.
"[29] According to the OECD's report, in the medium scenario of warming (SSP 2-4.5) by the years 2080 - 2099 the average Israeli will be exposed to 80 days with temperature surpassing 35 degrees per year (third highest result from all countries reviewed in the report), to 145 warm nights (the increase from current levels is second highest).
[36] In 2020, the Ministry of Environmental Protection noted that climate change is expected to reduce rainfall, imperiling the availability of fresh water for the region.
Long dry periods in the winter and extreme rain events with cold weather can negatively impact agriculture and natural ecosystems.
The rising sea "will ultimately affect all of Israel's coasts, from Rosh Hanikra to the border of the Gaza Strip," potentially leading to saltwater infiltration of aquifer groundwater and degrading coastal cliffs.
"[40] This change in sea level will dramatically decrease beach availability which has the potential to adversely affect tourist attraction.
Israel's long coastline will require infrastructure such as "residences, hotels, heritage sites, factories" and other major projects to be moved.
[36] Due to predictions of decreasing precipitation and increasing temperature, the IPCC "general circulation models projections agree on drying scenarios in the region by the end of the 21st century.
[46] The Rosh Hanikra Marine Reserve has documented the survival of key species as a result of just a few years of protection through conservation.
[48][10][11] Indeed, according to a study from 2023, climate change-linked heat wave could claim as many as 330 people each summer[49] unless the issues have been addressed, with the above-65 population being most at risk.
[50] Climate change in Israel has disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations, such as women, children, the elderly, immigrants and marginalized communities.
[48][10] In particular, populations living in the West Bank, Gaza, and Negev desert are more susceptible to the effects of climate change and mitigation efforts.
[53] Populations who suffer from chronic disorders are more susceptible to health issues related to poor air quality, high temperatures, and water-borne illnesses.
[52] Extreme heat caused by climate change can also be dangerous for pregnant women and affect child development in the womb.
[52] Migrants, refugees, Palestinians, and Bedouins who are not connected to the electricity grid may not be able to afford air conditioners or have access to healthcare facilities.
[58] However, during the summer months of July and August, the height of tourism season, Israel's weather becomes more humid and hot which is exacerbated by climate change.
[59] Israel offers tourists a multitude of outdoor recreation activities and national parks, which is why it is such a popular travel destination.
[60][61] Despite having taken these steps, Israel's environment continues to suffer as a rapidly growing population and standard of living contributes to increasing Greenhouse Gas emissions and air pollutants.
[64] According to the INDS (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) of Israel, the main mitigation target is to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions to 8.8 tCO2e by 2025 and to 7.7 tCO2e by 2030.
[64] In August 2021, Karine Elharrar, the minister of energy, stopped giving new licenses for oil searching on land in Israel.
[73] Their findings have confirmed that Israel's power sector generates approximately half of the country's total GHG emissions.
