Ben-Gurion University Scientist Tackles Climate Gaps: Innovations for a Sustainable Future | The Jerusalem Post

On a map showing greenhouse gas emissions, the Middle East often appears too simplified. “Those colors,” says Professor Ilya Gelfand, “are mostly assumptions.” Gelfand, a researcher at Ben-Gurion University, has devoted his career to uncovering the real story behind emissions in this region, particularly focusing on what scientists call trace gases, such as nitrous oxide and methane. These gases, which come from soil, are crucial but frequently ignored in discussions about climate change.

Missing Data

Gelfand points out that while we have robust data from countries like the U.S. and China, regions like North Africa and the Middle East are almost blank. “There is almost no data from vast areas,” he explains. This lack of information is problematic, especially given that these areas cover significant land masses.

A Unique Background

Interestingly, Gelfand’s path into climate science began unconventionally. After serving in the military, he was among the first students in a new environmental science program at Hebrew University. His early research dealt with creating water filtration systems for aquaculture, emphasizing the importance of nitrogen cycling, which piqued his interest in gases emitted from soil.

He later transitioned to studying forests for his PhD, observing the nitrogen cycle in the Yatir Forest—an uncommon research focus in Israel.

The Importance of Nitrogen

Nitrogen is essential for life but human activities disrupt its natural cycle leading to environmental issues. Gelfand notes that most nitrogen cycling happens through microbial processes, which humans heavily influence.

After earning his PhD, Gelfand went to Michigan to work with renowned ecologist Phil Robertson. There, he learned how to directly measure soil gas emissions, gaining techniques that he later brought back to Israel to enhance local understanding of trace gases.

Innovative Measurements

Today, Gelfand’s lab uses advanced laser techniques to measure trace gases directly in the field, making real-time observations that are crucial for better understanding the impact of emissions across different environments, especially in the Negev desert. Interestingly, his findings challenge established beliefs; for example, instead of absorbing methane, certain dry soils can actually emit it under specific conditions.

Rethinking Agriculture

In addition to his work in climate science, Gelfand is also focused on agricultural practices, particularly the excessive use of nitrogen in Israeli farming. Israel features among the countries with the highest fertilization rates, causing groundwater contamination and unnecessary greenhouse emissions. His research on date palms showed that yields could be optimized using far less nitrogen than is currently typical.

Conclusion

Gelfand feels like an explorer in a scientific blind spot, collecting crucial data that can help refine global climate models. His work challenges conventional wisdom and highlights the importance of understanding unstudied regions. “Deserts aren’t empty,” he asserts. “They matter for the climate of the whole planet.”

For further insights, you can explore resources on greenhouse gas emissions, such as the Global Carbon Project to see how these dynamics play out on a broader scale.

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