By Katharina Hoeftmann Ciobotaru
According to research by Haaretz newspaper, some experts at the Environment Ministry believe that sea levels in the country will rise by up to one meter by 2050 due to climate change.
So far, the Israeli government has largely ignored this issue. Researchers at the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institution have now been tasked with creating a model showing the likely impacts on the coastline and critical infrastructure such as desalination plants that could be damaged. It states, among other things, that storms and waves are becoming stronger and that there is a risk that the cliffs along the Israeli coast could collapse. Several sources stated that even half a meter rise in sea level would cause many beaches in Israel to disappear.
The difference before and after the rise in sea level could be that extreme, for example at the well-known Nahsholim Beach in Israel (Image: Haaretz graphic).
Despite all of this, there is no official sea level rise forecast or threat scenario in Israel that planning agencies, defense officials and local authorities can work with to be prepared and understand how rising sea levels will affect them. Without data and damage forecasts, there is neither a budget nor a place to look for solutions. Currently, the Climate Administration – a small body within the Ministry of the Environment with almost no powers and no budget – is responsible for all aspects of the climate crisis.
After the Haaretz report, the National Security Council announced that it would “coordinate preparatory measures.” Ministers, mayors and MPs also pledged to take action.
