Cabinet approves greenhouse gas emission cut plan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: The threat of climate change is no less menacing than the security threats that we face.

28 November 10 15:14, Globes' correspondent

The Cabinet today approved a national plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as the outline of an action plan to implement it.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that, "The recent dry months, including the driest November in the history of the state, are a warning light to us all that the threat of climate change is no less menacing than the security threats that we face. I intend to act determinedly in this field. In a country that suffers from a severe water shortage, this is an existential struggle."

NIS 2.2 billion will be invested between 2011-2020 to implement the plan. NIS 539 million of that sum will be invested over the next two years. The plan promotes switching to electricity-saving home appliances, improving and renovating buildings, supports educational efforts and information campaigns to increase awareness regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and will promote new Israeli technologies and green construction.

The government expects that the plan will reduce electricity demand, and as a result will cut greenhouse gas emissions. The plan is expected to lead to more efficient energy consumption, thus allowing greater resources to be invested in new economic activity. Thus, Israel will join the international community in the global effort to deal with climate change and meet the demands of the OECD.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 28, 2010

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