Israel’s Climate Preparedness Body Meets Without Environment Minister Amid Urgent Warnings
The annual meeting of Israel’s Climate Preparedness Directorate, part of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, took place on Tuesday morning without the attendance of Environment Minister Idit Silman. Despite the ministry’s prior commitment, the Climate Law has yet to advance, and no timeline for progress was provided. The meeting featured updates from Dr. Amiel Wassel, Senior Director for Climate Resilience, including a presentation of the Climate Risk Portal initiated under former Minister Tamar Zandberg. Dr. Yitzhak Asaf, Senior Climate Change Director at the Meteorological Service, also presented current climate trends in Israel. A representative from the Ministry of Defense participated as well.
The report highlighted that Israel is warming faster than predicted, with actual temperature increases exceeding model forecasts. Similar trends are observed in Europe. Projections indicate peak temperatures could rise by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius, making days above 45 degrees Celsius far more common, and some areas potentially reaching 50 degrees. The Meteorological Service warned these changes will significantly impact public health, infrastructure, water resources, agriculture, energy, and emergency services, necessitating immediate governmental planning and preparation.
In response, the Israeli Climate Forum sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging national readiness for extreme weather events expected this winter. Forum Chairman Dr. Dov Hanin criticized the minister’s absence, emphasizing that climate challenges extend beyond the Environmental Protection Ministry’s scope. He stressed the need for a broad governmental response, including a dedicated cabinet discussion, and called for increased public awareness. Hanin likened the Meteorological Service’s warnings to national security alerts, underscoring the potential for extreme climate events to cause human, economic, and systemic crises.
Hanin also urged immediate updates to preparedness plans across security, rescue services, local authorities, and drainage systems, noting that existing scenarios often lack adequate attention. He emphasized that alongside planning, sufficient resources and budgets must be allocated to implement necessary measures effectively.
