BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored Israel’s role in the battle against climate change yesterday, after around 200 countries agreed a potentially landmark deal to combat global warming in Paris.

Netanyahu was one of many global leaders who attended the opening of COP21 at the beginning of the month and told the conference that Israel is a pioneer in areas such as solar energy, water and energy efficiency and is “eager to share them with you.” On Saturday, it was announced that a far-reaching agreement had been finalized between all nations at the conference to keep the rise in global temperatures well below 2 per cent before 2100.

Addressing his cabinet yesterday, Netanyahu said that the agreement was important although complex. He explained, “This demands international discipline, which is not easy, but for the good of humanity, I hope that it will be found. It will certainly be found in Israel.” Netanyahu pledged that Israel “will contribute its part” in the effort to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions on behalf of future generations.”

Netanyahu pointed out that Israel is spearheading important technologies in desalination, wastewater purification and recycling. In September, Israel’s government approved a programme to reduce greenhouse emissions by 25 per cent by 2030. The programme also aims to reduce electricity consumption by 17 per cent, increase renewable energy to become 17 per cent of overall energy production and to reduce the use of private vehicles by 20 per cent.

Environment Minister Avi Gabbay, who headed Israel’s delegation at COP21 said yesterday that a budget of £131 million has been allocated in order to take measures which will meet climate targets. He said, “We have a lot of steps to take and we are doing it now,” highlighting moves towards cleaner technology, renewable energy and more public transport.