Environmental Sustainability
#28Key Findings
Israel falls into the bottom ranks internationally (rank 28) in the category of environmental sustainability.
A climate law introduced in 2023 had not yet been passed by mid-2024. The proposed measure set a national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2015 levels and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
In the absence of specific measures and targets, the country has addressed climate change through measures including gradual electrification of cars and buses, the shift from coal to natural gas in power plants, and the promotion of sustainable energy production and greater energy efficiency in economic activity.
Policies are in place to protect air and water quality, and prevent soil pollution. Biodiversity protection has not been a government focus. The complicated regional political situation has hampered the development of a strategic regional environmental protection plan with specific goals and measures.
A climate law introduced in 2023 had not yet been passed by mid-2024. The proposed measure set a national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2015 levels and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
In the absence of specific measures and targets, the country has addressed climate change through measures including gradual electrification of cars and buses, the shift from coal to natural gas in power plants, and the promotion of sustainable energy production and greater energy efficiency in economic activity.
Policies are in place to protect air and water quality, and prevent soil pollution. Biodiversity protection has not been a government focus. The complicated regional political situation has hampered the development of a strategic regional environmental protection plan with specific goals and measures.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
In 2018, the Ministry of Environmental Protection introduced a detailed plan addressing how Israel should handle climate change. The plan outlined climate change risks in the area and the programs various ministries should implement to address these risks. The national strategy had five goals: decrease costs and promote the economy, improve the sustainability of natural systems, strengthen and empower existing scientific knowledge, advance public education, and promote technologies that address climate change problems.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for collaborating with various ministries to develop specific, detailed plans for each goal. The designed plans are intended to be flexible, subject to re-evaluation and modification every few years based on accumulated scientific knowledge. The final program comprises 31 specific initiatives addressing different aspects and departments.
In September 2023, the Ministry of Environmental Protection introduced the Climate Law, formally codifying the 2018 plans. The law sets a national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2015 levels (the base year) and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The law includes roadblocks, measures and monitoring procedures to ensure implementation and progress. It lays out a five-year plan for all government departments to address climate change, and establishes an independent expert committee to monitor the law’s implementation and guide various authorities. According to the law, the ministry must report to the Knesset on progress.
The law aimed not only to reduce existing climate change risks but also to make climate change a key policymaking consideration for all government departments. Therefore, the law states that every relevant program has to submit a climate risk evaluation to ensure that climate change considerations are taken into account when new policies are introduced. Moreover, each local authority will have to submit a program detailing how it plans to address climate change (Ministry Environment, 2023). While this law is an important step toward addressing the dangers of climate change, due to Israel’s war with Hamas, which that broke out on October 7, the Knesset is yet to pass the law. At present, it is unknown when it will be placed on the Knesset’s agenda.
Because the law has not been passed, the program has not been divided based on sectors and areas. There are no specific measures, only a general strategy. Moreover, the implementation of the law falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. While staff within the ministry and the Ministry of Energy are committed to environmental causes, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has historically been weak. It has a small budget, low prestige and its ministers are usually not politically powerful. Therefore, even if the law passes, it is questionable whether the ministry will be able to oversee its implementation effectively.
While an encompassing strategy has not yet been codified into law, Israel addresses climate change and promotes the net-zero emissions goal through various specific efforts. These efforts include the gradual electrification of cars and buses, the shift from coal to natural gas in power plants, the enhancement of sustainable energy production and the promotion of greater energy efficiency in economic activity. According to the Heschel Center, an environmental NGO, the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is achievable but depends on government action, which so far has been lacking.
Citations:
Ministry of Environmental Protection, Climate Law https://www.gov.il/he/departments/legalInfo/climate-law-draft
Heschel Center, NZO project, https://www.nzo.org.il/blank-1
The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for collaborating with various ministries to develop specific, detailed plans for each goal. The designed plans are intended to be flexible, subject to re-evaluation and modification every few years based on accumulated scientific knowledge. The final program comprises 31 specific initiatives addressing different aspects and departments.
In September 2023, the Ministry of Environmental Protection introduced the Climate Law, formally codifying the 2018 plans. The law sets a national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2015 levels (the base year) and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The law includes roadblocks, measures and monitoring procedures to ensure implementation and progress. It lays out a five-year plan for all government departments to address climate change, and establishes an independent expert committee to monitor the law’s implementation and guide various authorities. According to the law, the ministry must report to the Knesset on progress.
The law aimed not only to reduce existing climate change risks but also to make climate change a key policymaking consideration for all government departments. Therefore, the law states that every relevant program has to submit a climate risk evaluation to ensure that climate change considerations are taken into account when new policies are introduced. Moreover, each local authority will have to submit a program detailing how it plans to address climate change (Ministry Environment, 2023). While this law is an important step toward addressing the dangers of climate change, due to Israel’s war with Hamas, which that broke out on October 7, the Knesset is yet to pass the law. At present, it is unknown when it will be placed on the Knesset’s agenda.
Because the law has not been passed, the program has not been divided based on sectors and areas. There are no specific measures, only a general strategy. Moreover, the implementation of the law falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. While staff within the ministry and the Ministry of Energy are committed to environmental causes, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has historically been weak. It has a small budget, low prestige and its ministers are usually not politically powerful. Therefore, even if the law passes, it is questionable whether the ministry will be able to oversee its implementation effectively.
While an encompassing strategy has not yet been codified into law, Israel addresses climate change and promotes the net-zero emissions goal through various specific efforts. These efforts include the gradual electrification of cars and buses, the shift from coal to natural gas in power plants, the enhancement of sustainable energy production and the promotion of greater energy efficiency in economic activity. According to the Heschel Center, an environmental NGO, the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is achievable but depends on government action, which so far has been lacking.
Citations:
Ministry of Environmental Protection, Climate Law https://www.gov.il/he/departments/legalInfo/climate-law-draft
Heschel Center, NZO project, https://www.nzo.org.il/blank-1
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
The Clear Air Law, passed in 2008 and implemented in 2011, is the principal air quality policy in Israel. Following the implementation of the legislation, the government established air quality measures for various pollutants, which are periodically updated by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
The law established two types of values. The first type includes aspirational values, with deviation from these values considered harmful to people’s health and quality of life. These values are not legally binding. The second type includes values from which deviation signifies significant air pollution.
Following the legislation, the two ministries monitor 28 pollutants. In 2013, the government approved the national program for the reduction of air pollution in Israel (Decision No. 707). The program is comprehensive, and includes concrete goals for 2015 and 2030, which are broken into sectors such as electricity, energy and transportation, among others. For instance, the Ministry of Transportation is tasked with decreasing the number of old cars on the roads and transitioning to green public transportation.
By 2020, the program was almost completely implemented. The progress of this program and the implementation of the Clear Air Law are monitored by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health issues a biennial report that presents the policies, as well as health and environmental risks. The report is written in collaboration with the Life and Environment organization.
Water quality has been regulated since the 1970s. The regulations outline the desired concentration of various chemicals in drinking water. Water suppliers are required to periodically monitor drinking water and report their findings to the Ministry of Health.
In 2018, the Ministry of Health sampled drinking water in schools across the country. More than 99.5% of the samples met the required standards. In cases where standards were not met, the ministry conducted an inquiry, and the respective school and local authority were required to make the necessary corrections. The results of these drinking water samples are publicly available.
In 2020, a new law was enacted, stipulating that water packages cannot contain more than the minimum allowable amount of lead.
At the same time, we should note that pollution of water resources is monitored but only to a limited degree. Though there is effective enforcement against factories that intentionally violate the law, significant pollution of underground water resources and the sea still occurs in areas near the Tel Aviv metropolitan area due to various reasons, including leaks from gas stations and repositories. According to the state comptroller (2021), purification activities are lagging significantly.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for soil pollution. It has a detailed policy that covers the identification, prevention and rehabilitation of polluted soil. The policy distinguishes between current and past activities that lead to soil pollution. The ministry prioritizes polluted soil based on clear and transparent criteria, with guidelines, and an order of intervention tailored to each case and sector.
In all the above-mentioned environmental health risks, the policy is being updated based on new research and evidence. For each type of pollution, there are several measures and categories, as can be seen in the Ministry of Health report (The Ministry of Health and Life and Environment Organization, 2020).
In each field, the ministry or ministries publish periodic reports describing the progress made and the challenges remaining. However, not all ministries comply with the effort. For instance, the Ministry of Transportation did not meet many of the goals set in the air pollution reduction plan. Furthermore, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Ministry of Health cannot enforce compliance by other departments.
Citations:
The Ministry of Health and Life and Environment Organization. 2020. “Health and Environment in Israel 2020.” https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/news/04012020-01/he/files_publications_environment_health-and-environment-in-israel-2020.pdf
State Comptroller. 2021. “Preventing Contamination and Salting of Water Sources, Monitoring and Restoring Them.” https://www.mevaker.gov.il/sites/DigitalLibrary/Documents/2021/72A-2/2021-72A-Part2-307-Zihum.pdf
The law established two types of values. The first type includes aspirational values, with deviation from these values considered harmful to people’s health and quality of life. These values are not legally binding. The second type includes values from which deviation signifies significant air pollution.
Following the legislation, the two ministries monitor 28 pollutants. In 2013, the government approved the national program for the reduction of air pollution in Israel (Decision No. 707). The program is comprehensive, and includes concrete goals for 2015 and 2030, which are broken into sectors such as electricity, energy and transportation, among others. For instance, the Ministry of Transportation is tasked with decreasing the number of old cars on the roads and transitioning to green public transportation.
By 2020, the program was almost completely implemented. The progress of this program and the implementation of the Clear Air Law are monitored by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health issues a biennial report that presents the policies, as well as health and environmental risks. The report is written in collaboration with the Life and Environment organization.
Water quality has been regulated since the 1970s. The regulations outline the desired concentration of various chemicals in drinking water. Water suppliers are required to periodically monitor drinking water and report their findings to the Ministry of Health.
In 2018, the Ministry of Health sampled drinking water in schools across the country. More than 99.5% of the samples met the required standards. In cases where standards were not met, the ministry conducted an inquiry, and the respective school and local authority were required to make the necessary corrections. The results of these drinking water samples are publicly available.
In 2020, a new law was enacted, stipulating that water packages cannot contain more than the minimum allowable amount of lead.
At the same time, we should note that pollution of water resources is monitored but only to a limited degree. Though there is effective enforcement against factories that intentionally violate the law, significant pollution of underground water resources and the sea still occurs in areas near the Tel Aviv metropolitan area due to various reasons, including leaks from gas stations and repositories. According to the state comptroller (2021), purification activities are lagging significantly.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for soil pollution. It has a detailed policy that covers the identification, prevention and rehabilitation of polluted soil. The policy distinguishes between current and past activities that lead to soil pollution. The ministry prioritizes polluted soil based on clear and transparent criteria, with guidelines, and an order of intervention tailored to each case and sector.
In all the above-mentioned environmental health risks, the policy is being updated based on new research and evidence. For each type of pollution, there are several measures and categories, as can be seen in the Ministry of Health report (The Ministry of Health and Life and Environment Organization, 2020).
In each field, the ministry or ministries publish periodic reports describing the progress made and the challenges remaining. However, not all ministries comply with the effort. For instance, the Ministry of Transportation did not meet many of the goals set in the air pollution reduction plan. Furthermore, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Ministry of Health cannot enforce compliance by other departments.
Citations:
The Ministry of Health and Life and Environment Organization. 2020. “Health and Environment in Israel 2020.” https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/news/04012020-01/he/files_publications_environment_health-and-environment-in-israel-2020.pdf
State Comptroller. 2021. “Preventing Contamination and Salting of Water Sources, Monitoring and Restoring Them.” https://www.mevaker.gov.il/sites/DigitalLibrary/Documents/2021/72A-2/2021-72A-Part2-307-Zihum.pdf
Graph View
How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Israel has ratified various international treaties regarding the preservation of biodiversity. In 1995, it ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity, which provides guidelines for preserving biodiversity. Two government bodies are responsible for implementing the policy on this issue: the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the Authority for Nature and Parks.
In 2010, specific goals and measures were established for each signatory country to the treaty, requiring each country to report on its progress. The 2020 report found that Israel’s progress was insufficient in 14 out of 19 goals. Moreover, no measures were set for two goals: fundraising for promoting biodiversity and the rehabilitation of ecological systems. The goal of developing a strategic plan was reported under the status of “no progress” (State Comptroller Report, 2022). The ministry publishes monitoring reports as part of its commitment to the OECD. According to the OECD, Israel is ranked last in preserving open areas and allocating sea reserves to maintain biodiversity.
In 2020, the Planning Administration presented guidelines for preserving marine ecosystems. Additionally, Israel ratified the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean Treaty, which addresses the preservation of coastal and marine areas of the Mediterranean, and prevention of pollution. Following this ratification, Israel enacted several laws to protect the sea, including the Order for Prevention of Oil Pollution of Sea Water (1980), Prohibition of Sea Pollution (1983) and Prohibition of Sea Pollution from Terrestrial Sources (1988).
The treaty also included several protocols for the protection of various species and biodiversity in the Mediterranean, as well as the prevention of oil and waste pollution. Israel did not ratify these protocols.
Israel has ratified several other treaties, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, among others.
According to a report by the state comptroller, the 2010 biodiversity preservation plan did not include specific operational activities. There were also no measurable goals, deadlines or sources of funding. Moreover, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, which designed the program, did not introduce it to the cabinet, so it did not receive the formal status of a cabinet decision. Consequently, its recommendations are not binding.
Lastly, according to the plan, a professional committee should be established to develop standards and measures. However, the established committee has never met.
Citations:
State Comptroller. 2022. “The Ministry of Environment: Protection of biodiversity.” https://www.mevaker.gov.il/sites/DigitalLibrary/Documents/2022/2022.5/2022.5-211-Migvan-Biology-Taktzir.pdf
In 2010, specific goals and measures were established for each signatory country to the treaty, requiring each country to report on its progress. The 2020 report found that Israel’s progress was insufficient in 14 out of 19 goals. Moreover, no measures were set for two goals: fundraising for promoting biodiversity and the rehabilitation of ecological systems. The goal of developing a strategic plan was reported under the status of “no progress” (State Comptroller Report, 2022). The ministry publishes monitoring reports as part of its commitment to the OECD. According to the OECD, Israel is ranked last in preserving open areas and allocating sea reserves to maintain biodiversity.
In 2020, the Planning Administration presented guidelines for preserving marine ecosystems. Additionally, Israel ratified the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean Treaty, which addresses the preservation of coastal and marine areas of the Mediterranean, and prevention of pollution. Following this ratification, Israel enacted several laws to protect the sea, including the Order for Prevention of Oil Pollution of Sea Water (1980), Prohibition of Sea Pollution (1983) and Prohibition of Sea Pollution from Terrestrial Sources (1988).
The treaty also included several protocols for the protection of various species and biodiversity in the Mediterranean, as well as the prevention of oil and waste pollution. Israel did not ratify these protocols.
Israel has ratified several other treaties, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, among others.
According to a report by the state comptroller, the 2010 biodiversity preservation plan did not include specific operational activities. There were also no measurable goals, deadlines or sources of funding. Moreover, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, which designed the program, did not introduce it to the cabinet, so it did not receive the formal status of a cabinet decision. Consequently, its recommendations are not binding.
Lastly, according to the plan, a professional committee should be established to develop standards and measures. However, the established committee has never met.
Citations:
State Comptroller. 2022. “The Ministry of Environment: Protection of biodiversity.” https://www.mevaker.gov.il/sites/DigitalLibrary/Documents/2022/2022.5/2022.5-211-Migvan-Biology-Taktzir.pdf
Graph View
To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
10
9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
8
7
6
7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
4
3
4
3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
Environmental collaboration in the Middle East is crucial. However, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict complicates the development of a strategic plan with specific goals and measures. Generally, there is more willingness from the Israeli side to collaborate than from Israel’s neighbors. Consequently, most policy efforts are based on scattered programs and loosely coordinated initiatives. Since the 1990s, there have been several environmental collaborations between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. These collaborations can be divided into three types: sustainable agriculture, training and education on sustainability, and biodiversity preservation.
In the field of agriculture, several projects are underway. These include the promotion of organic pesticides, which encompasses developing infrastructure, and providing training and information. The Ministry of Regional Collaboration sponsors the project, with additional local partnerships between regions in Israel and Jordan. Other initiatives involve training and guiding farmers in Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, as well as promoting joint agricultural projects.
One challenge to such collaboration is the discrepancy between farmers’ willingness to receive guidance and their need to conceal this cooperation for political reasons. Consequently, expanding collaboration is difficult and is often based on bottom-up initiatives.
In the field of sustainability education and training, all projects are conducted by non-governmental research centers and organizations that receive some support from the government. These projects include research collaborations with Palestinian and Jordanian scholars and students, joint ecological centers, and student exchange programs. However, all these projects are limited in scope because they are non-governmental.
In the field of biodiversity protection, an Israeli-Jordanian collaboration aims to protect the coral reef in the Red Sea. This collaboration includes a joint effort to monitor oil pollution in the Red Sea, as well as joint projects between the IDF and the Jordanian army to protect various species and engage in research collaborations. However, as in other fields, the Jordanians and Palestinians are reluctant to develop broader collaborative projects due to the conflict (Mitvim, 2020).
After signing the normalization agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Israel has also begun collaborating to promote joint environmental research and development projects in the fields of climate change, desert management, and agriculture with the United Arab Emirates.
Overall, there are various collaborative projects; however, they are not coordinated by a single governmental organization nor is there a comprehensive policy that covers this issue.
Citations:
Mitvim. 2020. “Environmental Regional Collaboration.” https://mitvim.org.il/wp-content/uploads/Hebrew_-_Israel-Arab_Environmental_Cooperation_-_Yael_Teff_Seker_-_June_2020.pdf
In the field of agriculture, several projects are underway. These include the promotion of organic pesticides, which encompasses developing infrastructure, and providing training and information. The Ministry of Regional Collaboration sponsors the project, with additional local partnerships between regions in Israel and Jordan. Other initiatives involve training and guiding farmers in Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, as well as promoting joint agricultural projects.
One challenge to such collaboration is the discrepancy between farmers’ willingness to receive guidance and their need to conceal this cooperation for political reasons. Consequently, expanding collaboration is difficult and is often based on bottom-up initiatives.
In the field of sustainability education and training, all projects are conducted by non-governmental research centers and organizations that receive some support from the government. These projects include research collaborations with Palestinian and Jordanian scholars and students, joint ecological centers, and student exchange programs. However, all these projects are limited in scope because they are non-governmental.
In the field of biodiversity protection, an Israeli-Jordanian collaboration aims to protect the coral reef in the Red Sea. This collaboration includes a joint effort to monitor oil pollution in the Red Sea, as well as joint projects between the IDF and the Jordanian army to protect various species and engage in research collaborations. However, as in other fields, the Jordanians and Palestinians are reluctant to develop broader collaborative projects due to the conflict (Mitvim, 2020).
After signing the normalization agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Israel has also begun collaborating to promote joint environmental research and development projects in the fields of climate change, desert management, and agriculture with the United Arab Emirates.
Overall, there are various collaborative projects; however, they are not coordinated by a single governmental organization nor is there a comprehensive policy that covers this issue.
Citations:
Mitvim. 2020. “Environmental Regional Collaboration.” https://mitvim.org.il/wp-content/uploads/Hebrew_-_Israel-Arab_Environmental_Cooperation_-_Yael_Teff_Seker_-_June_2020.pdf