JERUSALEM,– Israel announced Friday that it hopes to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Thousands of protestors gathered in Tel Aviv to call for action ahead of the U.N. climate summit next week.
Although Israel is a small country, it contributes very little to global warming. However, officials claim that Israel has much to offer other countries in terms of green technologies. Israel is widely recognized as a leader in the areas of solar energy storage, sustainable protein options, and agriculture technology.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced Friday’s pledge, stating that it was an extension of existing efforts to combat climate change.
He stated that Israel was joining the ranks of developed countries in pursuing zero emission goals with the new goal. “We are responding globally to the challenge by finding technological solutions and joining forces to reach this important goal.
Israel previously stated that it would not achieve the international goal of zero net emissions by 2050. However, the country expects to reduce its emissions by at least 85%. Environmentalists blame the lack of political will from previous governments, as well as the dependence on newly discovered natural gases for energy to achieve the lower target.
On Friday, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to demand action.
From Sunday, international officials will gather in Scotland to discuss how to speed up efforts to reduce climate change. More than one world leader has stated that humanity’s future depends on it. Six years after the Paris climate agreement, carbon emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas are increasing, not decreasing.