Israeli report on adapting to climate change

Israel Ministry of Environmental Protection: In a press briefing by the Ministry of Environmental Protection on August 4, 2008, the ministry's Chief Scientist, Dr. Yeshayahu Bar Or, presented a report on Israel's adaptation to global climate change. The report presents climate change trends and forecasts for Israel and the world, anticipated impacts on water, seas and coasts, public health, agriculture, biodiversity and energy in Israel and interim recommendations on requisite steps for adaptation and preparedness in all these areas.

…The report enumerates the anticipated impacts of climate change on each of the following sectors: water, agriculture, seas and coasts, public health, biodiversity, energy and the economy. Some examples:

* Water: Reduction of at least 25% in water availability by the end of the 21st century.

* Coasts and seas: A10 cm rise in sea level may lead to coastline retreat of 2-10 meters and to the loss of 0.4-2 square kilometers of coast every 10 years.

* Public health: Increase in mosquito populations and their distribution may increase the risk of disease.

* Agriculture: Damage to crops due to decrease in water availability and 20% increase in water demand.

* Biodiversity: Migration of Mediterranean species northward and their replacement by desert ecosystems from the Negev.

* Energy: Average long-term increase in electricity demand in the order of 3.2% per year.

….However, even at this stage, the report outlines some interim recommendations for adaptation, which are expected to be developed into a national plan for adaptation to climate change. The emphasis in the plan will be on reducing economic, social and ecological damages, on the one hand, and exploiting opportunities by developing innovative technologies and exporting know-how, on the other hand….

Satellite image of Israel, NASA, Wikimedia Commons