Thank you, Mr. President.

Albert Einstein once said that "we cannot solve the problems we have created with the same thinking that created them." The challenges of climate change call for innovative solutions – and new ways of doing business at all levels of government and society.

 

Today’s debate provides a timely opportunity for the international community to think outside the box—and advance progress on a very important aspect of this issue. The effects of climate change on peace and security are real. They are already appearing – and will become increasingly evident in the years to come.

 

Draught and land degradation may create food shortages. Ocean acidification could destroy whole eco-systems and deplete fish reserves. Rising seas may destroy usable land, forcing communities – and even nations – to relocate.

 

This issue affects us all. However, Israel recognizes that it holds particular significance for Pacific Small Island Developing States, which face the prospect of severe land degradation – and even total loss of their territory. Already we have seen rising ocean levels cause the degradation and loss of land in many different regions, including among the Pacific Small Island Developing States.

These consequences not only pose economic risks but also stand as serious threats to social stability and security. My country recognizes the need for an immediate, coordinated, and wide-ranging international response to the challenges associated with 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 supported the Pacific Small Island Developing States when they initiated the process to adopt GA resolution 63/281, bringing this issue to the attention of the General Assembly.

 

The loss of territory in small island nations as a result of climate change brings up significant legal issues. Israel recently partnered with the Marshall Islands to advance dialogue on these issues, hosting a conference at Columbia Law School last May.

 

Mr. President,

 

Israel continues to work toward achieving our Nation’s target of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, while serving as a full and active partner in global efforts to address climate change.

 

To this end, the Israeli government established a Ministerial Committee on Environmental Protection and Climate Change, incorporating all relevant Government ministries, as well as representatives from civil society and other significant stakeholders. This Committee has formulated a National Climate Change Plan for Israel. We are working to reach our ambitious reduction standards through a wide range of efforts, including improving the efficiency of energy systems, promoting green building and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

In response to the arid and semi-arid conditions that prevail throughout much of our country, Israel has developed significant experience in combating desertification and unique expertise in the fields of afforestation, agriculture, and highly efficient water conservation.

 

Knowledge in these fields will be critical as we prepare for and adapt to changing climatic conditions—and Israel will continue to share our expertise with other countries through a number of capacity building projects and programs. To this end, we will again initiate a resolution on “agricultural technology for development” in the coming General Assembly. This resolution promotes the use of sustainable agricultural technology to enhance conservation and mitigate environmental degradation.

 

Israel looks forward to continuing to engage with others to advance progress on this issue, which remains critical for our common future. Indeed, all countries — big and small – have an obligation to each other – and to the next generation – to respond to this issue with unity, with ingenuity, and with conviction.

 

As we consider this obligation, I am reminded of a lesson from an ancient Jewish text, which teaches us to remember that God tells Adam in the Garden of Eden, “See to it that you do not spoil and destroy my world; for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you.”

 

Thank you, Mr. President.