This August, Israel is facing one of the most punishing heat waves in recent history-exactly the kind of event that climate scientists have warned will grow more intense and common in the Middle East. Forecasters predict that temperatures will rise to 8-10 degrees Celsius, above early-August averages. In Jerusalem, the temperature will surge from a pleasant 29°C to a blistering 40°C. Additionally, the Jordan Valley will have temperatures as high as 50°C. The heat is expected to last around a week.
Israel’s public health system, water infrastructure, and power grid operators the heat is a high-pressure test. Demand for all of the aforementioned services soars during times of high heat. Israel will be tested to see if their energy, water, health, and other essential services can keep up with the high temperatures and the demand that comes from it.
The Middle East has proven to be at the epicenter of global warming and climate change. It warms much faster than the global average. The increase in multi-day heat events proves this fact. Israeli authorities have sent out messages this week urging stronger precautions. Hydration, staying inside, and providing extra care for vulnerable groups are just some of the ways to help against this major public-safety hazard
The heat also compounds other environmental pressures. In Eastern Israel, near the Dead Sea and Jordan valley, high temperatures drive water demand.
One silver lining, which is also one of the causes of the heat wave, is that Israel has an abundance of strong sunlight. Solar farms and rooftop panels help provide the power grid with low-cost electricity and energy. The government and people of Israel have bought into the solar energy wave. According to the Energy Ministry, approximately 15% of electricity in Israel is solar, and the target is to get to 30% by 2030.
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While solar energy helps provide an abundance of energy, especially during a heat wave, energy demand grows in the evening as the sun sets. Energy storage is the solution. Private companies, homes, and the government have invested in storage. Increased storage leads to increased energy reserves, which allows the grid to handle more stress, for example, more air conditioning units being turned on during a heat wave.
When a heat wave hits, it exposes weak links across a country’s whole system. Traditional energy infrastructure does not function to its best capabilities under the stress of extreme heat. That is why Israel has invested more in solar energy. However, with this increase comes more storage, panels, and other energy-related projects. These new developments are not only more cost-effective in the long term, but they can also be potentially life-saving during emergencies.
With high heat periods comes an increase in water demand. However, at the same time, reservoirs and water sources are put under stress due to increased evaporation. In a time of consistent global warming and existing water pressures, a heat wave is an added emergency for water.
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The ecosystem is also affected. Specifically, the marine ecosystem of Israel. In Eilat, the corals are known to be resistant. Even the resilience of the coral cannot help during a time of heat waves. This affects marine life and, therefore, humans who use the ocean as a natural resource.
Israel’s upcoming heat wave is an example of why countries need increased climate readiness. With more storage and increased use of solar power, Israel is more prepared to face this extreme weather.
