Israeli delegation heads to COP28 amid war with index of climate goals

Despite the ongoing conflict, the Israeli delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, is slated to leave on Thursday. 

The delegation, reduced to around 20 ministry professionals, a handful of tech companies, and President Isaac Herzog, will focus on showcasing climate-tech companies from the country's southern region.

"The climate crisis does not disappear even in these complex days when Israel is fighting on the battlefield," said Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman. "We must continue and act on the issue [of climate] here in Israel and globally. Israel's participation in COP is crucial."

Israel's preparations for COP28

To prepare for COP28, Israel reviewed its national climate goals, which center on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 27% by 2030 and 100% to be net–zero by 2050. The 2030 goals include reducing emissions by 30% from electricity production, 30% in the industry sector, and 47% in solid waste. 

In addition, Israel has set a goal to get 20% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2025 and to end coal use by 2026. The country aims to see a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from new cars by 2030 relative to 2020 and to see 54% of municipal solid waste recycled by 2030. 

To date, Israel has lagged grossly behind in meeting its emissions commitments. A report published earlier this year showed Israel is likely to reach only a 12% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2015 by 2030.

The Environmental Protection Ministry also said that the conference would catalyze the launch of cross-sector action, including defining climate change as a national threat, implementing climate education programs from kindergarten to 12th grade in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and developing a national climate computation center and an adaptation plan for local authorities by 2024. 

More than 70,000 official participants and tens of thousands of expected visitors will attend the conference in Dubai, which brings together heads of state, government officials, business leaders, representatives from the private sector, academics, experts, and more. 

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen explained that the Israeli presence at COP28 will be adapted to the circumstances created by the war. Israel will still erect a pavilion in the main exhibition area and offer around 15 events. The country will also participate in several international initiatives related to agriculture and food security, gender, health, renewable energy, emissions reduction, and more. 

"I want to express appreciation for the United Arab Emirates, its citizens, and leadership for the planning, leadership, and operational execution of the largest climate conference held to date," Cohen said as his team prepared to head to COP. "Israel attaches great importance to cooperation with its neighbors even in the current circumstances, as climate challenges are familiar to us all and cross borders.

"The Abraham Accords were signed three years ago, and the bilateral relations between Israel and the UAE constitute an important pillar in Israel's foreign relations, especially at present," Cohen continued. "The presence of the Israeli delegation at the conference is an additional proof of the strength of these relations."

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