On a dry, windy afternoon in late April 2025, the hills west of Jerusalem ignited and burst into an inferno. Flames, fed by the hot desert winds, spread through the Israeli mountains, crossing into parts of the West Bank and forcing thousands to evacuate. Smoke billowed over the country’s capital, shrouding one of the world’s most important and historic cities in a haze.

The blaze was one of the largest in Israel’s recorded history. Over 6,000 acres of forest, open land, and human development were burned. Dozens of communities were threatened, and the event prompted a national emergency. But beyond the damage, the fire was part of a larger story: Israel is fighting a climate crisis, and the country’s ability to protect its people, land, and overall environment is being tested like never before.

See Related Article: California wildfires will hurt your lungs as toxic burnt building pollution drifts

The fires did not come out of nowhere. Initially, there were warnings and alerts about the heightened chance of a wildfire. These warnings occurred when a group of fires broke out on April 30th. Neve Shalom, Beit Shemesh, Eshtaol, and Latrun are some of the major hotspots for the origin and spread of the fires. 

In a country where every square meter of land is precious, the mobilization of resources had to be fast. Approximately 200 teams of firefighters, including aerial assistance, were deployed within minutes of the outbreak. Evacuation orders were efficient and precise to ensure no civilian lives were lost. The discipline and respect of the Israelis are the prominent reasons more lives were not lost. Additionally, international aid was provided, and the IDF provided a variety of support to help contain the fire.   

The environmental fallout of the wildfires was severe. Parks, natural lands, and protected lands were wiped out. Habitats for birds, reptiles, mammals, and all natural life were destroyed in hours. 

The burning of the forest was a big blow to the country, not only because of aesthetic, economic, and environmental interests, but also for reasons of patriotism. A big part of modern Israel’s story is the revival of the forest and the battle against desertification. Since Israel was declared a state, trees were planted to help stabilize soil, provide carbon and oxygen, as well as to combat the aforementioned desertification. The loss of all of this wildlife will take years to heal. But, if the prior progress Israel has already made before the fires is taken into account, the public should be hopeful of a quick recovery. Lessons from past fires have been factored into the recovery.  

See Related Article: Greenpeace Responds to Israel Carmel Fire and States “Climate Changes are Already Here”

Wildfires are not a new issue for Israel. However, their size, intensity, and frequency are increasing. A critical cause of wildfires is the increased likelihood and frequency of heat waves. The increasing heat, along with the decreasing amount of water each year, creates a perfect storm for fires to burn.

Like most political, environmental, or humanitarian issues for Israel, there is a trend of intersectionality. The West Bank is connected to Israel, and the fires affected them, too. In parts of the West Bank with limited Israeli authority, unmanaged forests and illegal activities amplify risk. Cross-border cooperation and participation in efforts are needed to help prevent fires.   

The fire exposed Israel’s firefighting resource gap. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority is severely understaffed. When fires like April’s occur, firefighting resources are stretched thin. There have been announcements of efforts to divert more resources toward fire safety. Additionally, new updates to the forest-management guidelines have been made to help stop fires from becoming too large. 

One effect of the fires was the air quality. Jerusalem’s air quality was the worst in the world for a stretch of days. This caused large public safety concerns and prompted officials to urge residents to stay inside and limit strenuous activity outside. 

Reforestation will continue in the coming months. Volunteers, schools, outside governments, and many other helpful participants have provided support. New fire management and mitigation strategies are being employed. The strength of Israel’s emergency response was tested and will continue to be. Constantly updating guidelines and adding more resources will allow Israel to respond to disasters like this. 

The post Battling the Blaze: Israel’s Wildfire Response appeared first on Green Prophet.

On August 5th, 2025, environmental experts from Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories descended upon the University of Leeds for a three-day event centered around the Dead Sea and its irreversible decline. The gathering highlighted the urgency and attention that the region directs towards the Dead Sea.

Once spanning over 400 square miles, the Dead Sea now covers approximately 230 square miles. Currently, the Dead Sea’s water is dropping 3.3 feet per year due to the diversion of the Jordan River and the overextraction of the sea’s minerals. 

See Related Article: Environmentalist: “Explore Alternatives to Red-Dead Canal Project”

The area surrounding the sea has changed drastically in the past half-century. Landscapes are riddled with sinkholes, human activity, and leftover mineral deposits. 

The Dead Sea’s rapid decline is not only an aesthetic decline but also one that affects various aspects of the world. First, it affects ecosystems and biodiversity. All parts of the natural world are connected, and something as prominent as the Dead Sea being destroyed will affect life around it. Also, local communities and infrastructure must be altered and changed due to the new sea levels and sinkholes caused by the decline. The region surrounding the sea is also a tourism hotspot, and if the Dead Sea becomes an undesirable location, the people will stop coming. Finally, the Dead Sea and its resources are not only Israel’s. Jordan and the Palestinian territories also utilize the Dead Sea. A destroyed Dead Sea would increase political tensions due to each country being negatively impacted. 

See Related Article: How EcoPeace Uses Environmental Education to Bridge Borders in the Jordan Valley

The summit, held at Leeds, brings together various actors. Israelis, Jordanians, and Palestinians represent the regional interest, and participants from the UK and other Western countries participated to assist. The talks that they had were aimed at discussing improving and creating coordinated and interconnected action. 

There have been efforts to save the Dead Sea. The Jordan River is the sea’s water source. However, now only 10% of the original water flow reaches the basin. A key effort in reviving the Dead Sea is to stop the diversion of the river’s water and allow it to flow to the Dead Sea. Additionally, there are regulations on mineral extraction and building. At the Leeds conference, many new ideas were created and shared. Water sharing frameworks, combined with river restoration efforts, re-zoning, desalination brine water, and international funding, provide help. These efforts and efforts of the future also provide an avenue for increased regional stability. Israel and Jordan both use the sea for its resources and the tourism aspect. However, there is minimal cooperation between the countries, leading to an increased decline of the sea. If the countries strengthen, add new efforts, and rely on each other more than it would cause there to be more needed cooperation. 

The Dead Sea’s rapid collapse is a tragedy not only for Israel but for the region as a whole. It also tests whether environmental necessity can lead to regional stability. The Leed summit is one of the many conversations currently being had to try to save the sea. Conversations are one thing; action is another, and action is needed to save the Dead Sea. 

The post Sinkholes and Shrinking Shores: The Race to Rescue the Dead Sea appeared first on Green Prophet.

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. 

See Related Article: Yosef Abramowitz: The Israeli Bringing the Sun to the World’s Darkest Places

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. 

See Related Article: Sea of Galilee still critical water levels, despite winter rain

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. 

The post Extreme Heat Is Testing Israel’s Energy System appeared first on Green Prophet.

When Israel launched a surprise, precision strike wave against Iran’s nuclear and other essential infrastructure on June 13, 2025, the world’s attention turned not only to the military, political, and human fallout but also to the environmental risks. Iran and its leaders immediately accused Israel of committing environmental war crimes. The supporting evidence for this claim was fires at oil depots, fuel deposits being damaged, and the targeting of nuclear research and development facilities.

From Israel’s perspective, these accusations are just distractions and diversions to ignore a larger truth: Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a larger and longer-lasting environmental threat to the Middle East than Israel’s defensive measures ever will.  

Israel has long believed and employed the practice of stopping existential threats before they come to fruition. This doctrine led Israel to conduct strikes, similar to its 2025 attack, on nuclear facilities in Iraq in 1981 and Syria in 2007. While both operations were controversial at the same time, which seems to be the trend with Israel’s attacks, they are now acknowledged to have prevented potentially worse, specifically environmental, outcomes.

In June 2025, Israel used the same logic when it attacked Iran. Nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Arak, among other infrastructure, where uranium enrichment along with other nuclear activities were targeted. Israel’s goal was clear: cripple Iran’s nuclear program before it had operational weapons. For Israeli leaders, the alternative to not attacking was unthinkable. An Iran with nuclear capabilities would not only destabilize regional politics but also risk a major humanitarian and environmental disaster.  

See Related Article: Experts at US-Arab Policy Conference debate Mideast’s future as global energy supplier

Critics of the attack warned and cited instances of radioactive leaks. However, agencies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the lack of leaks and are also continuing to measure sites to ensure no radioactive increase. Chemical exposure is the real environmental danger. Chemicals used in enrichment that are not cared for and stored properly can become toxic and can potentially be inhaled or contaminate groundwater. The underground nature of Iran’s nuclear development facilities helped decrease the chance of air exposure. Additionally, Israeli military planners deliberately designed strikes to maximize damage to infrastructure and minimize environmental fallout. Israel’s precision proves that Israel recognizes environmental safety even amid war. 

Iran’s environmental department has accused Israel of targeting fossil-fuel storage, oil depots, industrial plants, and nuclear facilities with the intention of causing environmental destruction. Tehran’s state media highlighted fires at oil depots and refineries, claiming that the attacks and subsequent destruction created toxic air and soil contamination. Israel rejects these accusations. Its view is that the strikes were carefully planned and carried out with precision to undermine Iran’s economic, military, and nuclear programs.

By crippling key infrastructure, Israel seeks to cut off financial and physical resources as well as the support they provide for Iran’s proxies. From Israel’s perspective, Iran is attempting to weaponize environmental justice as propaganda while ignoring the larger risks that they are creating by their national ambitions. 

See Related Article: Iran is sinking in sinkholes from overwatering

While Iran points towards oil fires and chemical leaks, Israel argues that the long-term environmental risks of a nuclear Iran far outweigh the immediate impact of its targeted strikes. Consider the following situations:

• Nuclear accident: Poorly secured and contained enrichment facilities could leak uranium into soil, water, and other resources
• Regional proliferation: If Iran secures nuclear weapons, other nations in the region may pursue their programs in response, exponentially increasing the risk of accident and sabotage
• Terrorist access: With Iranian proxies active across the Middle East, material or weapons could fall into the hands of groups with no regard for environmental or human safety
• Regional instability: A nuclear Iran would increase the likelihood of war, where nuclear attacks would devastate the environment 

For Israel, these risks make preventative action not only the way to save human life but also to save the environment from potential destruction.

Iran’s accusations of environmental war crimes fit into a broader narrative attempting to portray Israel as reckless and destructive. But Israel points out key hypocrisies. Iran’s secrecy, blocking inspectors from accessing facilities, Iran’s industrial pollution, and their weaponization of outrage shift their malpractice onto Israel. 

Israel frames its strategy around an ethical argument: to allow Iran to continue unchecked would not only be a gamble in terms of Israeli lives but also with the environmental health of the Middle East as a whole. 

The strikes on Iran have sparked fierce debate, but from Israel’s perspective, the choice was easy: either accept the risks of a nuclear Iran or act decisively to stop it.

Israel chose action, not out of disregard for the environment, but because it views preventive strikes as the lesser of two ecological evils. The immediate damage pales in comparison to the devastation a nuclearized Iran could unleash.

For Israel, protecting the land, air, and water of the Middle East means ensuring that a nuclear catastrophe never becomes part of the region’s future.

The post How Israel’s Strikes Avert Iran’s Environmental Threat appeared first on Green Prophet.

Dr. Tamar Makov is a lecturer at the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management school at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Originally from Israel, she earned a BSc in Nutrition Science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before moving to the U.S. to complete an MA and PhD in Environmental Studies at Yale University.  Recruited back to BGU in 2019, she now lectures at the university. Her research focuses on data science, circular economy, and life-cycle analysis.

See Related Article: Hebrew University Recognized as World Leader in Movement Ecology 

At the heart of her work lies industrial ecology. The field of study that industrial ecology encapsulates is the analysis of the relationship between the natural environment and industrial processes to promote sustainable development. The aim of this idea is to minimize environmental impacts and promote efficiency by integrating production and consumption development. Critical characteristics of the field of study are life-cycle assessment, economy, and sustainability. While lifecycle assessment is widely taught throughout the U.S and European universities, Israel only has about five dedicated researchers in the field. Dr. Makov’s efforts, a new curriculum at the university, and other students are looking to change this.

At BGU, Dr. Makov’s research thrusts include:

• Looking into emerging tech, to model current production systems
• Identifying current “hotspots” to identify and lessen environmental impacts
• Digitalization studies, to examine how consumer behavior shifts in response to initiatives
• Second-hand culture, the study on how reuse is effective only when it replaces new production and use of resources

By intersecting research, data, and conclusions, Dr. Makov and her associates aim to bridge theory and real-world impact. To increase efficiency and sustainability while reducing harmful environmental practices and their impacts. 

Dr. Makov also lies at an interesting intersection herself. Her educational background at Yale University and her current job at BGU highlight some notable differences in the academic mindset between American and Israeli students. In America, it is much easier for students to focus on their education. While there are inconveniences and real, valid life events, students are still given the opportunity to focus entirely on their education. However, this is not the case for all students in Israel. Makov explains that it is more challenging for students to work, especially when focusing on certain school subjects. To many during a time of war, an environmental education can be seen as secondary. It is challenging to focus on sustainability when a war is unfolding in the backyard. Additionally, many of Makov’s students were in attendance at the Nova Festival during the October 7th terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas. These are just some of the challenges and experiences that Israeli students face when they decide to attend school.

See Related Article: Desert University Goes Green With Gusto

Even if students do decide to study the environment, their tough times do not disappear. On one occasion, Dr. Makov had students studying abroad in the Netherlands. During their final presentation, three of their classmates disregarded the instructions and instead targeted the few Israeli students. Instead of displaying their knowledge, they displayed their ignorance by spouting anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment at the horror and shock of the other students. 

Despite her international pedigree, Dr. Makov faces hurdles stemming from resource constraints and geopolitical tensions. Funding in Israel is much more limited than at major U.S. institutions. This means that research, grants, and funding overall need to be taken seriously and utilized in a careful and targeted way. Additionally, recruiting students with a background in the environmental field can be difficult. To add on, many institutions outside of Israel who used to send students to study at BGU have either pulled out, or the students have not wanted to come due to the war. Partnerships are fragile in general. One example of this came from Dr. Makov’s work on studying bluefish. The study was utilizing a particular software, one that Dr. Makov had used in the past. However, after the October 7th attacks and subsequent public response, the software company will pull its programming. This experience is not unique.

Meanwhile, Dr. Makov reflects on her own time studying abroad at Yale, where she once shared an office with a Palestinian man from Gaza. This shows that collaboration and cooperation are possible. Today, along with many others, Dr. Makov observes that many activists in the U.S. and worldwide often conflate climate issues, Israel-Palestine issues, and other social issues. In her view, this distracts from all causes and forms a generalization. She says that we are better off focusing on issues that are urgent to environmental work: low-income and minority communities still face increased environmental risks, and emerging economies like China drive global emission increases. One example of this comes from Greta Thunberg. Thunberg, who is a climate activist, recently attempted to deliver symbolic aid to Gaza. Thus, bringing the two issues close in activist dialogue. 

See Related Article: Climate Activist Greta Thunberg Joins Gaza Flotilla

As the war continues, Dr. Tamar Makov remains committed to expanding Israel’s footprint in industrial ecology and circular economy, even as she navigates a fractured global landscape. Her work demonstrates that rigorous methods, interdisciplinary teaching, and data-driven projects can still, and will continue to, pave the way toward a more sustainable future. 

The post Life-Cycle Thinking Under Fire: Industrial Ecology Mission Amid Geopolitical Conflict appeared first on Green Prophet.

The “Nature Heals” program, run by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) since November 2023, uses nature to help Israelis, particularly young people, deal with mental health challenges after the October 7th attacks. Since the 2023 attack on Israel, over 100 thousand Israelis have gained some sense of peace and calmness through this program. 

See Related Article: How SPNI is Rewilding Cities and Rebuilding Resilience

Traditionally, SPNI is dedicated to conservation and initiatives within Israel’s natural areas. However, SPNI recognized the urgent need to address the widespread psychological distress gripping the nation and particularly Israel’s youth community. 

SPNI is not new to helping the Israeli community. After the destruction of the October 7th attacks, SPNI gave emergency shelter, in their facilities, to over 220 families at no cost. Additionally, schools run by SPNI in Eilat and Ein Gedi partnered with IsraAid and the Ministry of Education to provide space for displaced children to attend school, thereby offering some sense of normalcy during such volatile times.   

The “Nature Heals” program is not only targeting adolescents. They also provide services for displaced families, military personnel, and the general public. Over 4,000 children have already attended the program’s 4-day tours. If someone is unable to participate in a tour, SPNI offers online eco-therapy. Over 30 thousand Israelis have viewed their “Nature at Home” content. The content includes live birds, tours, and lectures. 

The in-person program is designed around a three-phase framework: Respite, Resilience, and Rehabilitation. The respite phase focuses on providing immediate relief through easily accessible natural experiences. The resilience phase, highlighted by the tours, offers an immersive experience that focuses on long-term physiological growth and instills positive beliefs in its participants. Finally, the rehabilitation phase aims to provide therapeutic activities aimed at long-term recovery.

So far, the results have been almost entirely positive. SPNI reports that 92% of teens stated they felt less anxious after attending one of the camps. Additionally, the programs are helping entire families, with 97% of parents reporting that their child had a significant, positive experience due to SPNIs’ work.

The success of the “Nature Heals” program would not have been possible without the support of various forces. Collaborations with local municipalities, therapists, and other welfare programs allow SPNI to reach out and recruit those from the most affected communities in Israel. One example of these positive partnerships is the collaboration with Sheba Medical Center. SPNI, Sheba, and the Eilat municipality have recently agreed to proceed with an eco-therapy retreat for recovering IDF soldiers. The program will provide professional trauma therapy in a natural setting. 

Looking forward, “Nature Heals” does not plan to stop its work after the war is over. It plans only to expand and become a mainstay in eco-therapy in Israel. The program provides a compelling blueprint for trauma response and underscores the profound impact that eco-therapy can have on an individual. The goal SPNI set for itself is to engage over 700 students from the West Negev to Northern Israel at no cost. 

::SPNI

The post SPNI’s Eco-Therapy Program Offers Vital Support and Resilience in Post-October 7 Israel appeared first on Green Prophet.

In the heart of Jerusalem, a city often defined by its layers of stone, history, and conflict, a special, quiet scene unfolds daily: a herd of over 100 endangered wild mountain gazelles roaming freely through the grasslands of a restored valley. Even in a time of war, Israeli children can be heard laughing along the winding trails. Birdwatchers hide from migratory birds while viewing their natural beauty. 

See Related Article: Near-extinct gazelle brings Israelis and Palestinians to peace-making plan

This is the Gazelle Valley Urban Nature Park, one of Israel’s first urban wildlife refuges and one of the most powerful symbols of what the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) stands for: a belief the nature belongs to everyone, and that green space-especially in cities- is not just a sanctuary, but a solution.

Founded in 1953, SPNI emerged from a grassroots protest against the draining of the Hula Valley wetland. This move destroyed biodiversity and compromised the water quality of the wetland in northern Israel. Though the campaign failed in its goal of stopping the project, it gave rise to one of Israel’s and the world’s first environmental NGOs.

Today, SPNI operates a diverse portfolio that encompasses biodiversity conservation, sustainable urban planning, education, and advocacy. “If you learn about nature, you’ll love nature, and you’ll want to protect it,” says Jay Shofet, Director of Partnerships and Development at SPNI, who has lived in Israel for over 40 years.

See Related Article: Why is the Society for the Protection of Nature (SPNI) in Israel Supporting Settlements in the West Bank?

While SPNI’s base and roots are in wildlife protection, preserving nature reserves, restoration, and defending against habitat loss, its focus has shifted to cities where over 90% of Israel’s population resides. This shift is embodied in SPNI’s “Promoting Urban Nature” initiative. The goal of this initiative is to combat pressure to utilize land reserves for housing. SPNI works with the Israeli government and, more importantly, municipal leaders to create plans to make Israel’s cities greener. The key to this is creating and lobbying for urban nature sites. The sites offer residents a unique experience of nature in an urban setting, distinct from traditional parks. They emphasize natural biodiversity. The sites not only help nature but also help people. Their work is also “About protecting nature for our health and enjoyment,” says Shofet. SPNI emphasizes the mental health and physical health benefits that nature has. 

No site better captures this philosophy than Gazelle Valley. Located in western Jerusalem, the valley was once planned for the construction of 30,000 living units. However, with passionate residents by their side, SPNI organized a campaign to preserve it—the result: Israel’s largest urban nature site. Gazelle Valley boasts 64 acres of restored open space, where mountain gazelles, one of hundreds of species, roam freely with wetlands, food, and care at their disposal. 

Gazelle Valley is also a fully functioning, living lab. SPNI and other researchers track biodiversity indicators, such as the gain or loss of dragonflies and otters, both indicator species, and collaborate with scientists from various institutions, universities, and private organizations, as well as the government, to monitor numbers and migrations. Educational programs are held on-site that educate youth and members of government and business. 

SPNI is one of Israel’s leading organizations in environmental education, helping to create Israel’s nationwide mandate to integrate nature studies into the school curriculum. The work started over 30 years ago and is now expanding with the support of the Ministry of Education.

“We teach the teachers,” Shofet explains. Through short-term development programs, classroom materials, and outdoor field experiences, SPNI helps facilitate environmental education for Israeli students. Urban sites, such as Gazelle Valley, serve as outdoor classrooms, providing children with the opportunity to learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability, even in an urban setting. 

Additionally, education helps inspire and promote environmental activism. “The environment is a great entry point to activism,” says Shofet. “Educate, Love and Protect,” Shofet adds, are the three primary keys to SPNI’s mission.

See Related Article: Waze saves wild lives

As urbanization continues to grow and intensify around the world, Israel may hold a hopeful model. SPNI’s integration of ecology, education, health, and urban planning remains a driving force in this space. SPNI plans to expand its Urban Nature initiative in 2025 and beyond, particularly to Israel’s rebuilding of northern and southern cities. Their goal is simple yet ambitious: to bring nature to every Israeli, regardless of their location or background.

::SPNI

The post How SPNI is Rewilding Cities and Rebuilding Resilience appeared first on Green Prophet.

In a region long marked by political divides, armed conflict, and environmental degradation, EcoPeace Middle East is quietly advancing the power of peacebuilding. Peace through education. Through its cross-border teacher tours in the Jordan Valley, EcoPeace is bringing together educators from Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories to address critical environmental issues.

EcoPeace has offices in Tel Aviv, Israel; Amman, Jordan; and Ramallah, located in the West Bank. It exists as one of the only organizations working together across these three locations. Their goal is ambitious, complex, and challenging: to utilize environmental challenges as a catalyst for regional cooperation. For two decades, their work has been shaped by a truth that transcends borders.

See Related Article: EcoPeace gets peacebuilding award

The Jordan River, stretching from the heights of Mount Hermon to the lowest point on Earth’s surface—the Dead Sea—is a symbol of biodiversity, religion, and culture. However, it has suffered from decades, if not centuries, of abuse. For years, raw sewage from countries, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories, has been poured into its waters. More than 600,000 Jordanians and 60,000 Palestinians continue to discharge waste into the river basin. Additionally, multiple dams have altered the flow and the stretch of the river downstream from the Sea of Galilee, which is significantly polluted. 

Yet, the mindsets and actions of those living in areas surrounding the Jordan River are undergoing a change. Israeli initiatives are invested in cleaner water, infrastructure, and sewage treatment. Both state-led and NGO efforts drive this renewed focus on the restoration. These efforts are slowly but surely transforming once-over-polluted areas into zones of rehabilitation, use, and recreation. Increased cooperation, driven by EcoPeace, has allowed for coordinated responses to the shared environmental threat. These cooperation efforts are not only cleaning the Jordan River, but are also creating new channels for positive regional dialogue.

One of the most effective ways EcoPeace advances its mission is by targeting educators. Each year, the organization hosts educational conferences specifically designed for teachers, primarily those in biology, ecology, and related fields. Approximately 25 teachers from Israel, Jordan, and Palestine participate in each session. These sessions focus not only on the Jordan River being a shared resource and a symbol of regional interdependence, but also on the importance of preserving it. Additionally, they focus on the interactions between teachers from the conflicting groups.

They are designed to create empathy, cooperation, and inspire teachers to integrate transboundary environmental programming into their curriculum. Each session is followed up by support and guidance on how to engage students with the environmental peacebuilding material. Workshops used to take place in Jordan, with all participants traveling there. However, due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, sessions are now held in Cyprus.

The teacher workshops and tours serve as a platform for both learning and dialogue. Regional-political complexities are not ignored; they are engaged, debated, and discussed. However, the program encourages participants to look beyond national and media narratives to instead focus on the common good. Helping educate the youth to provide a better environmental future. When teachers from Tel Aviv, Amman, and Ramallah examine the same stretch of polluted river, it creates a shared experience. The shared concern for the Jordan River, as well as other environmental issues, and, on a larger scale, the region, becomes the foundation for a deeper understanding.

EcoPeace’s work is not limited to the Jordan Valley. The organization is also active along the Alexander Stream and near the Dead Sea. Both areas, like the Jordan River, face enormous environmental stress. What all of these locations have in common is that all three participants within EcoPeace are affected. Both geographical ties and responsibility ties interconnect the Middle East. The typical mindset of “It is someone else’s problem” does not work. It takes teachers, the youth, and the region as a whole to come together to solve these problems because they are everyone’s.

EcoPeace’s strategy is dual, combining both bottom-up and top-down approaches. The bottom-up approach focuses on the aforementioned teacher workshops and trickles down education to the youth. The top-down approach focuses on EcoPeace’s efforts to collaborate with government officials and decision-makers, aiming to influence policy and regional environmental practices. 

The organization has been instrumental in advancing the “Green Blue Deal.” This is a project that entails Israel providing desalinated water to Jordan in exchange for energy. This is made possible due to Israel’s experience and expertise in desalination plants, along with Jordan’s expansive geographic area for solar and wind farms. Projects like this are designed to foster interdependence, where both countries rely on each other for mutual benefit. With interdependence comes cooperation, and with cooperation comes increased normalcy in relations.

Even amid rising tensions and conflicts, EcoPeace remains committed to its mission. In the aftermath of the October 7th attacks carried out by the terrorist organization known as Hamas, the organization maintained communication across all offices. Staff members checked in on colleagues from all sides, underscoring their commitment to preserving connection even during times of conflict.

See Related Article: The wind farms of the Middle East

The resilience of the educational programs is astounding. While many participants may enter tours with skepticism or strong preconceived notions, they often leave with new perspectives and a deeper appreciation. While political solutions remain improbable, educational ones are already in motion. 

See Related Article: The Blue Green Deal and climate pacts between enemies

EcoPeace aims to expand the teacher programs and increase its reach in the coming years. With more than 1,000 students already directly impacted by the initiative, the organization utilizes teachers as ambassadors for environmental peacemaking.

In a region where peace is scarce, EcoPeace offers a solution—one where educators plant the seeds of coexistence. 

To learn more about EcoPeace’s educational programs and environmental peacebuilding efforts, visit https://ecopeaceme.org.

The post How EcoPeace Uses Environmental Education to Bridge Borders in the Jordan Valley appeared first on Green Prophet.

Meet Yosef Abramowitz, CEO of Gigawatt Global, bringing clean solar energy to millions around the world

Yosef Abramowitz, known also as Kaptain Sunshine, is an American-Israeli solar activist and developer.  As a child, Abramowitz lived in Israel. However, during a brief couple of years back in America during the Yom Kippur War, Abramovitz faced confusion. Outside his Massachusetts window sat a gas station with a line wrapping around the block. The long line was a result of the conflict in the Middle East and the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo. Abramowitz’s confusion stemmed from this: how could America and the rest of the world rely on an unrenewable energy source as volatile as this? After this moment, Yosef sought change. While Jimmy Carter was installing solar panels in the White House, Abramowitz was working on early science fair solar projects. Eventually, his work and passion for Israel led him back to the country where he would do his most impactful work yet.

In 2006, after arriving at Kibbutz Ketura to attend the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Yosef Abramowitz stepped out of his van with the last rays of the golden sun shining down on the scorching Arava Desert. In the dying sunset, he found his light. Abramowitz and his associates founded the Arava solar fields. During its 2010 inception, students, researchers, and other individuals from over 58 countries came to learn. Out of this work came Gigawatt Global and the company’s mission of being a “…multinational renewable energy company focused on the development and management of utility-scale solar fields in emerging markets.”

The goal was clear. Bring climate justice to the communities that need it most.

See Related Article: Energiya Global to solar power up 8% of Rwanda using clean energy

Gigawatt Global and its CEO, Abramowitz, have brought power to some of the most impoverished and energy-deficient countries in the world, with Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Sudan being just a few examples of the hard-to-reach places where they work.

Through his work, Abramowitz has had a significant impact. In Burundi, one of the world’s poorest countries, Abramowitz and his team successfully brought solar energy to half a million people. Another example of the extent of his beneficial humanitarian work comes from Rwanda, where he brought power to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. The village is home to orphans of the Rwandan genocide. “It’s both a mitzvah and a business,” Abramowitz says.

So, how does he do it? Abramowitz used to get support from the American Government. However, a majority of his funding comes from Blended Finance. This means that his monetary support comes from both public and private donors and investors. Abramowitz is always seeking international support, as well as funding from financial institutions such as the World Bank.

Abramowitz employs what he calls the Quadruple Bottom Line Impact Platform when bringing solar energy to countries with limited resources and infrastructure. While not the primary driver, each project must provide returns for investors. While these returns may not turn a massive profit, projects must ensure financial viability. Second, every project contributes to climate mitigation. Using solar energy not only provides energy to those in need but also reduces carbon emissions and air pollution associated with previously used, dirty, combustible fuels. Third is the humanitarian and social impact that a project will provide for its community. Finally, solar development can strengthen relationships between countries. It can build trust in fragile states and open doors for diplomacy.

See Related Article: Founders of Israel’s Arava to Solarize Developing Countries

Why does he do it? It may be hard to understand why someone would want to take on the challenges that Abramowitz does. He is not taking the easy projects. He is not developing solar fields in Europe, the Americas, or other developed nations. Abramowitz is going places that nobody else is going to. Not because of money, even though it is there, but because of his values. Abramowitz values Tikkun Olam, the act of repairing the world. Through his solar projects, he is helping the most vulnerable people on Earth, doing his part to make a difference. He emphasized the privilege that Western countries have. He also realizes that there are already help and resources available for these places and that there are numerous opportunities to do good outside of the established market.

It is not all sunshine for Kaptain Sunshine. Many of the places he is going are politically and infrastructurally fragile. This means that Abramowitz and his associates need to remain steadfast in their morals. It is essential to Abramowitz that he bring power to those in need. However, he will walk away if the corruption and values of those he is helping cannot align with his values.

However, Abramowitz strongly emphasized that the people he meets in Africa and around the world —the ordinary people —are the reason he does what he does. When the going gets tough, he remembers who he is working for. Not for a nation, government, or political party. For the people.

There is a significant intersectionality at play in Abramowitz’s work. He described how bringing power to a country uplifts it in many other ways. Food storage, communication, and information are just a few benefits that come with energy. With these benefits, many are given a chance to succeed. In places where terror runs rampant, energy projects are run through communities to prevent them from becoming corrupted.

Yosef Abramowitz is a visionary, humanitarian, and innovator. Not only did Abramowitz help facilitate Israel’s transition to become more environmentally friendly. He helped make the world not only a cleaner place by introducing solar energy, but also a better place by bringing it to those who need it most. Following Theodor Herzl’s idea that “If you will it, it is no dream,” Abramowitz continues his dream of bringing energy to all.

:: Gigawatt Global

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Greta Thunberg, climate and humanitarian activist

On June 1, 2025, the Madleen, a ship organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, departed from Catania, Italy. It carries supplies such as water bottles, medical equipment, and other essential items. The goal of the mission is to break through Israel’s naval blockade and deliver aid to civilians in Gaza. The flotilla includes 12 participants from various countries. Some participants include members of the European Parliament, actors, and activists. The most high-profile figure on board may be Greta Thunberg.

Thunberg, a Swedish-born climate activist, describes the mission as aligning with her environmental and humanitarian values. She asserts that the mission reflects her beliefs that environmental justice must include all communities.

Thunberg has recently been an active participant in the youth-led, global “Free Palestine” movement. While the journey has drawn international media attention due to Thunberg’s highly controversial image, it also intersects with a long-standing, complex, and regional conflict—one where humanitarian concerns, national security, and environmental challenges collide.

Israel has enforced a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007 due to concerns related to Hamas. Hamas, a terrorist organization, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 innocent Israeli civilians and taking over 250 hostage. The blockade is supported by other nations in the region, such as Egypt. It is utilized to prevent weapons and materials that could be used for military purposes from entering the territory. Israel allows aid to enter Gaza through land crossings, which are coordinated and monitored by international agencies.

Read Related: Freedom Flotilla sets sail toward Gaza with Greta Thunberg on board to liberate Gaza

Those who are critical of the blockade, including Thunberg and her companions, argue that the embargo contributes to deteriorating living and environmental conditions in Gaza. Supporters of the blockade assert that it is essential for the security of Israel and the safety of its civilians. Additionally, they claim internal mismanagement and a lack of cooperation from Hamas limit the support that civilians receive. Gaza is facing significant environmental challenges. There are reports that 90% of the water is undrinkable. This is due to the ongoing war, governance challenges, and the over-extraction and contamination of aquifers.

Wastewater runs rampant due to untreated sewage being discharged directly into the Mediterranean Sea and other water sources. While the Israeli blockade is often cited as the most significant factor contributing to these challenges, many international commentators and agencies have also pointed to Hamas and its recent efforts to disrupt aid distribution as a substantial factor.

In the past, infrastructure projects, including water treatment facilities and solar energy systems, many of which came from Israel, have been disrupted by a lack of cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.

Greta Thunberg’s decision to participate in the Madleen voyage highlights the issue of environmental justice in conflict zones. It also reflects the growing trend of climate activism, which involves engaging in politically sensitive regions.

From Israel’s perspective, the debate is distinguishing between humanitarianism and efforts that legitimize terrorist organizations such as Hamas. Despite concerns, Israel has continued to permit and facilitate the transfer of aid, including food, fuel, water, and medical supplies, through its land crossings.

As the Madleen moves closer to Gaza’s waters, the following steps are uncertain. Previous flotillas have been intercepted and redirected to Ashdod Port, where the cargo is examined and transferred to Gaza via official land crossing channels. The IDF, Israel Defense Forces, recently issued a statement to the press. IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin said, “The (Israeli military) is prepared to defend the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts — in the north, the south, the center and also in the maritime arena.

“The navy operates day and night to protect Israel’s maritime space and borders at sea. For this case as well, we are prepared,” he said in response to a question about the Freedom Flotilla vessel, declining to go into detail.
“We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.” Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin speaking to the media

What is clear is that Thunberg’s journey has drawn massive attention to Gaza’s humanitarian and environmental conditions. At the same time, it opens up a broader conversation on the role of ecological activism and justice in a time of war.

For Israel, the situation continues to be consistent with its responsibility to ensure humanitarian access to civilians in Gaza, while maintaining its security.

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