Sustainability in Israel
In a world grappling with climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation, Israel stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. Despite its small size and limited access to natural resources, the nation has pioneered technologies and policies that have set global benchmarks in sustainability. From groundbreaking water management solutions to renewable energy advancements, Israel continues to impress in the realm of sustainability.
Water scarcity has been one of Israel's greatest challenges. With over half the country classified as desert and receiving limited rainfall, Israel has had to find creative ways to secure water supply. Currently, Israel receives up to 75% of its water supply through desalination and recycles nearly 90% of its wastewater for agricultural use, both of which are world records. The country also utilizes extremely efficient farming methods, with over 75% of Israeli farms utilizing drip irrigation (a technology invented in Israel in the 1950s), second only to the island nation of Cyprus. Israel even exports clean water to its neighbors, supplying Jordan and the Palestinian territories with nearly 150 million cubic meters of water annually. They also have pioneered fascinating new technologies such as Watergen, which extracts clean drinking water from thin air. This innovative approach has cemented Israel as a global leader in water management, providing clean drinking water to a region in desperate need.
When it comes to renewable energy, Israel has similarly made major strides. With abundant sunshine, the small nation is well-positioned to lead in solar energy—and it’s taking advantage of this natural resource to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Significant investment has gone into solar projects like the Ashalim Solar Thermal Power Station, a unique design featuring a 260-meter tower surrounded by 50,600 computer-controlled solar reflectors that concentrate sunlight onto the tower to provide clean energy to tens of thousands of homes. Recently, in March of 2024, Israel achieved a milestone when renewable energy briefly supplied over 50% of the country's electricity production! With significant goals to increase solar energy production in the next decade, Israel even has the opportunity to be a net exporter of energy in the near future.
Israel also doesn’t keep its innovations to itself. Through partnerships, technology exports, and knowledge sharing, it helps other countries tackle environmental challenges as well. Drip irrigation is now utilized worldwide to conserve water in agriculture, and Watergen has been deployed to draw water from the atmosphere in various countries that lack reliable access to clean drinking water, such as India and Vietnam. Israeli companies such as UBQ Materials and HomeBiogas have developed ways to convert household waste into thermoplastic materials and organic waste into cooking gas and liquid fertilizers, technologies that are now being exported globally.
By combining cutting-edge technology, smart policies, and a culture of resourcefulness, Israel offers invaluable resources for countries worldwide. As the planet faces increasing environmental challenges, Israel’s solutions are a testament to the possibilities of sustainable development and give hope for our future.
Josh Levine
