Global_Warming.

Israel and Global Warming On April 25th, 2005 Elizabeth Kolbert stated, “People tend to focus on the here and now. The problem is that, once global warming is something that most people can feel in the course of their daily lives, it will be too late to prevent much larger, potentially catastrophic changes.” This quote has been applied to Israel, a country that has fallen behind in protecting our dear earth. As a representative from Israel, I realize that our country has abused the planet and the consequences of global warming here are inevitable. In the past decade, Israel has been pulverized by flooded coastlines, intense droughts, increased competition for water and strong storms. I am aware of all the substandard events have taken place, but do realize that things are being done in order to save our country from these disasters and unfortunate global events. Israel is now aware of the misfortune that we, along with many others, have brought upon this Earth, a burden which cannot be removed unless actions are taken. Global warming is not only damaging the air around us, but the economy too. Ever since global warming has been perceived as an issue, there has been agricultural devastation which has created a huge economic downfall. There has been an increase in water process, and dried up farms which can no longer provide food to our people. Israel, being a beautiful country, has had tourism being a huge money maker. Unfortunately, beach erosion has led to a decrease in tourists and a 1.6 billion dollar lost. Here in Israel, we have dealt with the worst, and are more than prepared to lift this burden. I shall start off with facts about how global warming and environmental tribulations have harmed our country personally. There has been an increase in average temperatures up to 1.8 degrees, a drop of 4 to 8 percent on annual precipitation, a 10% increase in evapo-transpiration, the rise in sea levels by 12-88 cm, increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and 1,000 deaths annually due to pollution in the metropolitan area. After devastating effects like these, why would Israel not take a stand against global warming' We need to save our population and find a way to prosper after such tragic events have pummeled us. Israel has recently started a campaign called “Take a minute, to save a generation”, which is aimed to educate the public about global warming and the effects that it has on our country as well as the global environment. In 1992, when global warming was first pronounced an issue, we signed in the United Framework Convention on Climate Change. In 1996 we ratified the treaty and took charge of the global warming tragedy. Since then, there has been a heavy shift away from coal and heavy fuels, to natural gas in power plants which will improve the deprived air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, our Prime Minister has embraced a plan to create the first solar power plant in the Negev Desert. Currently, we are learning how to utilize groundwater resources located beneath the desert. We are finding alternative ways to prove energy and water in a barren land where resources are scarce. In addition, a solar power facility has been created to shift away from the dependence on fossil fuels and coal for energy. Adam Teva V’Din claims “Israel’s environment is headed for disaster” when really, our country is headed for improvement and environmental advances like no other. Israel is taking the issue of global warming as a high priority because our country depends on the Earth, and the resources which it provides. Without improving environmental hazards and taking global issues seriously, those in Israel and those around the world will cease to exist.