An agreement in the fields of environment and climate was signed last night (between Monday and Tuesday) between the Government of Israel and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In a meeting held in Washington between the Israeli Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman and the Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Janet McCabe, a memorandum of understanding was signed, which formalizes the continuation of close cooperation between the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the EPA. According to those involved, the new memorandum, which will be in effect for 5 years, replaces a previous one signed in 2018, which expires next month.
It was also reported that the new memorandum of understanding includes a wide list of topics for cooperation. In light of the great emphasis placed by the two countries on the climate field, this topic was added to the new memorandum.
In the memorandum there is a reference to joint operations and knowledge exchange in the following areas:
- Climate Change: Including greenhouse gas emissions reduction, promoting a low-carbon economy, and preparedness for climate change impacts.
- Water Issues: Involving wastewater treatment and reuse, protection and restoration of marine environments, and monitoring and restoration of rivers.
- Waste Management: Including a policy for dealing with plastic pollution.
- Soil Remediation: Involving innovative approaches for the remediation and cleanup of contaminated sites.
- Air Quality: Covering prevention, reduction, monitoring, and modeling.
- Chemical Management: Including safe use of pesticides.
- Radiation Protection and Noise Pollution Prevention, Emergency Response, and Pollution Cleanup.
- Environmental Legislation and Enforcement.
- Local Environmental Justice: Working with diverse communities and public participation in environmental decision-making, environmental economics, and promoting innovation in environmental technologies.
Idit Silman: "We strive for cooperation with other countries in the region"
The Minister of Environmental Protection, Idit Silman, praised the signing: "We greatly appreciate the close relations between the countries in environmental matters and the successful and close cooperation with the EPA. We rely on the EPA's experience and knowledge in key areas for Israel, such as air quality, land remediation, emergency events, and more, and share our knowledge and experience with them on various topics, such as wastewater reuse."
According to Silman, the next step for the ministry is to promote activities with other countries. "Now, with the signing of the new agreement, we are expanding and strengthening cooperation in the field of climate as well. As part of the implementation of the new memorandum, we aspire to leverage bilateral cooperation into regional activities and promote activities and programs with additional countries from the region."