Herzog Calls for a “Renewable Middle East” at COP27

By Hamodia Staff

YERUSHALAYIM – President Isaac Herzog told the U.N. COP27 climate conference in Egypt on Monday that Israel stands ready to lead in the response to the climate emergency.

“With studies forecasting imminent, severe consequences for our region, the Middle East is on the brink of catastrophe,” he said in a speech, citing data showing that the Middle East and North Africa are warming twice as fast as the global average.

“Here in Sharm el-Sheikh, I wish to reiterate the State of Israel’s solid commitments to achieving net zero carbon emissions and to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy by 2050. But Israel is prepared to assume far greater responsibility. Israel is prepared to lead the effort toward regional climate resilience. I intend to spearhead the development of what I term a Renewable Middle East— a regional ecosystem of sustainable peace.”

Despite the fighting words, Israel comes to the summit somewhat empty-handed, having failed to anchor in law or government resolution its commitment to reach net-zero pollution by 2050, as promised a year ago at COP26 in Glasgow.

“Net zero” refers to reduction of emissions as much as possible and offsetting what still needs to be emitted. This can be done by investing in projects that reduce emissions or that sequester (absorb) carbon dioxide from the air and either use it in industry or convert it into a form that can be buried for a long time.

Herzog invited the conference participants to visit Israel’s first-ever pavilion at a COP event, which he inaugurated earlier Monday, and said he envisioned that solar energy produced in the deserts of the Middle East would be exported to Europe, Asia, and Africa “in the foreseeable future.”

“In a region undergoing accelerated desertification, Israel also has the capability and know-how to deflect severe water shortages and to offer solutions to food insecurity. We are eager to share all our expertise and practical tools. That is what a Renewable Middle East looks like,” he said.