This step is in continuation of the 'climate package' that the Government of Israel approved at the start of the week, in the framework of which unprecedented decisions were made on managing the climate crisis.

Prime Minister Bennett:

"The climate crisis affects all of our lives, including that of our children and grandchildren. It affects our lives; therefore, we must be fully determined. Israel is the innovation nation and has the ability to contribute to the world the talents and creativity that only we have. With the new goal, Israel is lining up alongside the developed countries that are already taking action to attain the goal of net zero emissions, and is redoubling its commitment to the Paris agreement and the international agreements on the issue. We are responding to the global challenge, finding technological solutions and joining in to achieve this important goal."

Energy Minister Elharrar:

This is a challenging but necessary step in the State of Israel's fight against the climate crisis. I am certain that massive investment in innovation, changing energy consumption habits and removing impediments to advancing renewable energy will succeed in bringing us to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Government of Israel is committed to fighting the climate crisis for the future of our children."

Most of the developed countries, which are responsible for 70% of global emissions, have already declared that by 2050 they will achieve net zero emissons. Among these are the US, Canada, France, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Ethiopia and others.

Actions that the government will take to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 include:

1. Developing energy storing abilities ('seasonal storing) – Renewable energy that can be used throughout the year

2. Developing carbon-trapping abilities

3. Advancing green infrastructures

4. Energy conservation – Educating consumers on the importance of the issue

5. Developing Israeli innovation – Investing in the research and development of Israeli initiatives in green energy in order to advance new solutions

In recent months extensive staff work has been carried out in order to formulate an action plan on achieving net zero emissions by 2050. To this end, approximately 2,000 scenarios in various models in which various technologies, energy consumption forecasts, and various possibilities on developing the electricity grid – inter alia – were taken into account.

Reaching the goal will require all economic sectors – energy, transportation, industry, agriculture and waste – to take a broad series of steps to reduce emissions.