Fighting the climate crisis: a memorandum of understanding was signed between Israel and the USA

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:

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."