Statement by H.E. Mr. Gilad Erdan, Minister of Environmental Protection of the State of Israel

SUMMIT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
United Nations, New York
22 September 2009

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,
Heads of Government,
Mr. Co-Chairs,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the Government of Israel and I wish to thank the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for convening this timely and important high-level event on climate change.

Israel is a committed party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to the Kyoto Protocol, and to post-2012 negotiations. We are aware that climate change will have a severe and substantial impact on our planet and on our region in particular. Israel must play its role within a shared vision of a future climate regime which takes into account national, social, economic and environmental circumstances, and to which all countries are committed to in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Israel is a small, densely populated country characterized by an expanding population and economic growth. At the same time, Israel faces serious challenges, including land and water scarcity and rising energy consumption. Israel is almost completely dependent on coal, oil and gas imports to meet its growing energy demand. If we continue with “business as usual,” our projections forecast a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. I believe that Israel – as a developed country with a strong and robust economy – should take strong measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Deeply disturbed by these findings, and personally committed to a more sustainable future, our government established a Ministerial Committee on Environmental Protection and Climate Change, which I head and which incorporates all relevant ministries, as well as other significant stakeholders and representatives of civil society. The mandate of this committee is to formulate a National Climate Change Plan for Israel. This plan will position Israel alongside those countries already on the path to significant greenhouse gas reduction.

Israel regards itself as a full and active partner in global efforts to promote a low carbon economy as part of our efforts to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. We are taking steps in order to reach ambitious reduction standards by improving the efficiency and conservation of energy systems, including green building, promoting the use of natural gas, giving higher priority to renewable energy sources (with an emphasis on solar energy), and introducing clean coal technologies.

Within its small territory, Israel is a treasure of biodiversity with thousands of species found in the varied climatic regions of the country. Such diversity must be preserved. For most of the country, climate conditions are similar to those prevailing in the southern Mediterranean rim while other parts are more arid. Given such hot and dry conditions, Israel has experienced for more than 60 years the challenges of development, including the use of modern agriculture and efficient management of water resources.

Mr. Co-Chairs,

Against the backdrop of these conditions, Israel is renowned for its expertise in afforestation, highly efficient water use – such as controlled drip irrigation systems and wastewater re-use – sophisticated agriculture, and innovative approaches to prevent and combat desertification. As such, Israel is prepared to serve as a regional laboratory and center of excellence to prepare for, and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

Israel intends to be an active partner in future agreements on technology transfer and capacity building programs in this regard in order to minimize the costs associated with global climate changes.

I believe that in our region, Israel and its neighbours have much to gain from cooperation in the fight against global warming and its devastating effects, particularly in the fields of energy and water use. I intend to make every effort to promote joint activities in these fields.

In this framework, Israel also proposes the establishment of regional centers for research and development of alternative energies in order to further develop the practical use of solar energy, as well as other types of noncarbon energy sources.

Mr. Co-Chairs,

We gather today – only a few months before the critical meeting in Copenhagen where the post-2012 climate regime will be negotiated – in order to offer our political support for our common commitment to tackle climate change. No country can overcome the challenge alone. We need to explore joint efforts for reducing or curbing emissions, ensuring global environmental protection, as well as improving the quality of life for all, regionally and globally.

I believe that the world must establish financial incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as determine the price associated with such pollution. While the cost of such pollution will be large, the price of inaction will be even larger.

Protecting our planet from the ravages of climate change requires concerted efforts and mutual assistance. Israel stands willing and able to shoulder its responsibilities to the best of its ability together with members of the global community.

Thank you.