Experts Warn: Israel’s Biggest Threat Isn’t Hamas or Hezbollah—It’s Climate Change

As Israel celebrates its 77th year of independence, the future looks significantly different. Experts warn that the next seven decades may usher in severe environmental challenges, with rising temperatures and water shortages at the forefront.

Danielah Smits-Possek, an urban design expert from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, cautions that without effective planning, Israel risks becoming a heat island. The sun’s intensity combined with dwindling water resources could pose dire consequences.

Environmental innovators in Israel face a pivotal moment. Yosef Abramowitz, a solar energy pioneer, emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to green energy. He evokes Theodor Herzl’s vision of a sustainable Israel filled with electric vehicles and green energy. If this vision remains unfulfilled, the fossil fuel industry could jeopardize the future we leave for our children.

Mor Gilboa, CEO of the NGO Zalul, paints a worrying picture: 80% of the world’s coral reefs, vital for marine ecosystems, are already gone due to climate change. This loss affects not just marine life but also human communities reliant on these ecosystems.

In fact, the Middle East is warming faster than the global average, leading to less rainfall and harsher droughts. Gilad Ostrovsky from the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael highlights that rising temperatures threaten both trees and people—putting immense pressure on natural ecosystems and human health.

As dire as these challenges sound, experts believe we still have a choice. Gilboa urges that we must confront the climate crisis as a serious national security issue. Each year, air pollution kills more Israeli citizens than military conflicts. In 2023 alone, over 5,500 deaths were linked to pollution caused by burning fossil fuels for power and transportation.

The war in Ukraine has stalled Israel’s plans for water-sharing agreements, which could have provided relief to Jordan, one of the world’s driest nations. Collaboration could potentially foster security in an inherently unstable region.

Without immediate action, this year’s low rainfall could lead to record-breaking wildfires. Previous conflicts have already led to extensive destruction of forests, exacerbated by the aftermath of military operations. Ostrovsky warns that as war impacts land use, it’s essential to prioritize reforestation and environmental recovery to ensure a sustainable future.

Our current trajectory also includes a concerning reliance on landfills. Israel ranks poorly in waste management, with 80% of our waste ending up in landfill. This not only contaminates the soil but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in waste reduction and recycling is crucial to protect our land and water sources.

Experts envision a future where innovative solutions like 100% solar energy could supply power by 2030. Plans for rooftops to be equipped with solar panels are feasible and would greatly enhance energy independence. Given that solar energy is cheaper than oil, this shift could save Israel considerable resources.

Israel has the potential to spearhead clean technology initiatives. With its reputation as the “Start-Up Nation,” there’s an opportunity to not only address domestic environmental issues but also export these innovations globally. Collaboration on environmental issues can transform regional politics into opportunities for peace.

As we look ahead, the choices we make today will shape the Israel of 2100. Do we maintain the status quo, risking further environmental degradation, or do we embrace the challenge to build a sustainable future? How we respond to these critical issues will determine our legacy and the quality of life for future generations.

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