In the first such long-term plan aimed at cutting Israel's greenhouse gases, the Energy Ministry has published its goals for bringing down greenhouse emissions by 80% by 2050.
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Among the targets set out by the ministry are the shuttering of all of Israel's coal stations by 2025, cutting emissions in the electric sector by between 75% and 85% by 2050, and an annual 1.3% improvement in energy intensity indicators that measure the energy required per unit output or activity.
The Energy Ministry is also leading the effort to transition to a low-emission economy that relies on electric transportation. The ministry expects the plan to result in a 92% decrease in emissions from the electric sector by 2030.
Within the framework of its membership in the Organization of Economic Organization and Development, Israel has committed to cutting its greenhouse gases 30% by 2030.
Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz called the plan, which he said would see Israel surpass the goals set by the Paris climate accord, a "knockout punch to air pollution."
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Ministry announced it was working to advance legislation to increase energy efficiency, expand the use of renewable energy, better prepare for the effects of climate change, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The proposed legislation sets a target of cutting emissions by 27% by 2030, in the hope of cutting annual emissions by 85% by 2050.
The ministry has also proposed an advisory committee to assist in the formulation of a national action plan that would be updated every five years and monitor its implementation. It further proposed an independent committee of experts is formed to ensure open dialogue on the subject.
In the coming days, the ministry will publish the draft climate law for review by the public and relevant government officials.
Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel said that "with the help of the climate law, we are protecting the public, its health, and its welfare, and future generations in particular, from the consequences of the climate crisis."
Amit Bracha, executive director of the Israel Union for Environmental Defense, which is working with the ministry to advance the legislation, said: "We are on the path to bringing Israel into the list of … countries that are preparing to deal with the climate crisis. An Israeli climate law is a necessary legacy we must leave our children."
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