JERUSALEM, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Israel is falling behind on its 2030 climate goals, according to a report by the Environmental Protection Ministry published on Wednesday.
The report, Israel's first Biennial Transparency Report under the Paris Agreement, was submitted to the United Nations and reveals that current efforts fall short of meeting the country's climate commitments.
Based on the report's "existing measures" scenario, Israel is expected to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by only 19 percent by 2030 compared to 2015 levels, missing its pledged 27 percent reduction under global climate agreements.
In 2022, emissions rose by 0.4 percent compared to 2021 instead of decreasing.
Fuel combustion remains the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Israel, accounting for 77.5 percent of the total in 2022, with electricity generation and fuel refining making up 45.2 percent.
The solid waste sector is also underperforming, expected to see only an 18 percent reduction in emissions by 2030, falling short of the planned 47 percent. Industrial emissions are projected to decrease by 19 percent, also falling short of the 30 percent goal.
There are, however, some encouraging developments. Emissions from electricity generation are projected to decrease by 32 percent by 2030, exceeding the 30 percent target. Transport-related emissions are expected to rise by only 0.8 percent, an improvement over the previously anticipated 3.3 percent increase.
The ministry warned that the worrying gaps described in the report put public health, the environment, the economy, and Israel's global standing at risk.
It urged immediate action, including passing the Climate Law, expanding renewable energy's share of electricity generation to 30 percent by 2030, improving public transportation, and strengthening waste management.
