Upon being sworn in on July 15th, 2007, Israeli President Shimon Peres said the following: “A President must courageously look at the larger picture and see that the rapid building and growth of the state took a heavy toll on natural resources and ecological wellbeing. And, as the world moves towards a greener, more responsible economy, so must Israel. The most fascinating adventure of the twenty first century will be to reinstate a proper balance to nature.”
Peres’ words indicate the change in the status of environmental issues that has taken place in recent years. In the past, environmental issues were constantly marginalized but today they have gained importance in society and are an integral part of the decision-making process in Israel and a pressing issue in the Israeli media and public discourse.
This change occurred for several reasons: an increased awareness of environmental issues among citizens; changing values in society; the worsening ecological situation; increased activity of green organizations in civil society; initiated legislation in the Knesset; and judicial decisions.
The following articles all address the political aspect of environmental protection:
Environmentalism: Concern for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and the Ecological Fabric
Receive theoretical background and a comparative analysis of environmentalism. This article delineates the changes of values in Western society that led to the emergence of environmental awareness and traces the emergence of “green” organizations and activity.
Green Politics in the Transition from Society to Government
Read about the transition of environmental activism from civil organizations to institutionalized political parties – a change that largely occurred in Eastern Europe.
Green Politics in Civil Society in Israel
Get an overview of green political activity in Israel - within civil society, in local municipalities, the Knesset, government ministries, and more.
Is Israel Ready for a Green Party?
Follow an overview of green parties in Israel on a local and national scope.
Environmental Legislation in Israel in Light of International Conventions
The increased awareness of environmental issues has led to increased legislation on this matter. Read this article for examples of legislation that has been passed in recent years.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection
Read about what has been done by this ministry, when it was established, its annual budget, and more.
"Green" Legislation
Legislation in Israel on environmental issues has increased in recent years. Follow the development of green legislation in Israel from waste management to coastal protection.
Public Policy on the Environment: The Deposit Law on Beverage Containers as a Case Study
Through this specific case study, the way that legislation on environmental issues is passed is shown.