Climate Change

Press Release

Eli Hurvitz Conference: Day 2 Afternoon Sessions

May 22, 2024, Jerusalem

Even in these dark times, Israelis must hold on to the imagination, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit to face the global challenges that lie ahead.

Even though the tax seems to have reduced the use of disposable utensils, its repeal demonstrates that a sustainable change in behavior requires additional measures, including running information campaigns tailored to the ultra-orthodox, making alternatives available, and encouraging their use.

The impact of the climate crisis on the well-being of Israel’s citizens is to a large extent dependent on the politicians’ coming to grips with the issue.

This report presents the results of the work led jointly by the Israel Democracy Institute and the Israel Innovation Institute - a proposal for government policy to promote climate innovation

Nathan Sussman, Professor of Economics and Senior Visiting Research Fellow and leader of the “Israel 2050: Climate Crisis Preparedness” project at the Israel Democracy Institute, explains how carbon tax can lower emissions while having virtually no adverse effects on business activity and growth.

Implementing IDI's Israel 2050 program for emissions reduction is not only an urgent necessity, but also highly beneficial in economic terms.

As part of IDI's 'Israel 2050' initiative, a survey found that the majority of Israelis are concerned about the risks of global warming and believe that their government should act accordingly.

Minister of Environmental Protection Tamar Zandberg, Minister of Energy Karin Elharar, Minister of Transportation Merav Michaeli and Minister of Economy Orna Barbibai in a joint declaration at IDI's Conference: "We will cooperate on Israel's climate policy, to lead to an 85% reduction in Israel's greenhouse gas emissions by 2050."

Do Israelis want their government to improve the economy's readiness for the climate crisis? IDI's special survey on public attitudes to the climate crisis says that an overwhelming majority (89%) says "yes."

The Impact on Quality of Life in Israel: Executive Summary