Israeli Environmental Conference Highlights Urgent Climate Action and Science-Security Nexus
The 54th Annual Conference on Science and Environment opened Wednesday in Jerusalem, marking Israel's largest environmental gathering. Hosted by the Israeli Society for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, the Hebrew University, and Jerusalem Municipality, the event runs through Thursday. Shaked Shafi Cohen, co-CEO of the Society, emphasized the urgency of environmental science amid ongoing wildfires, stating, "Nature does not sign ceasefire agreements; it simply acts together."
President Isaac Herzog addressed the conference, underscoring climate change as an immediate reality reshaping lives rather than a future threat. He stressed the need for sustained attention to environmental issues. The conference showcased technological advances aiding environmental protection, including satellite data used by Israeli rescue teams during hazardous conditions and Google's AI-driven flood and fire prediction tools.
The intersection of security and environment was a key theme. Raaya Shurki, CEO of the Nature and Parks Authority, highlighted challenges in managing ecological corridors amid military activities in the Galilee and Golan. Public sentiment, as noted by INSS researcher Dr. Idith Shafran-Gitelman, shows limited recognition of climate change as a security threat, with only 5% identifying it as such in a recent survey.
Jerusalem's unique ecological challenges were discussed, focusing on urban development balanced with nature preservation. Mayor Moshe Lion reaffirmed commitment to environmental stewardship, including halting construction in the Leban Ridge and enhancing forest connectivity. KKL-JNF's Chief Forester Dr. Gilad Ostrovsky reported severe pine forest die-offs due to drought and stressed the importance of biodiversity and natural regeneration.
Innovative environmental solutions were presented, such as sustainable building materials from microorganisms and salt byproducts, and circular economy approaches in agriculture. Legal frameworks supporting environmental activism were also highlighted, with Bar-Ilan University’s environmental regulation clinic aiding community efforts.
The conference addressed public trust in science amid climate denial, with experts calling for rigorous scientific integrity to maintain credibility. Ecological restoration projects like the Zippori Stream rehabilitation exemplify practical, low-cost environmental recovery fostering community involvement.
Marine conservation challenges were discussed, emphasizing the need for efficient coastal and marine spatial planning to protect Israel’s extensive sea territories. The event concluded with Hebrew University President Prof. Tamir Shafir stressing that environmental crises transcend borders and sectors, impacting health, agriculture, economy, policy, and social resilience.
Awards for lifetime achievements in environmental planning were presented to Prof. Eran Feitelson and Yoav Sagi, recognizing their significant contributions to protecting open spaces in Israel.
