Geography of Israel - Environmental Concerns

Environmental Concerns

Israel has a large number of environmental concerns ranging from natural hazards to man-made issues both resulting from ancient times to modern development. Natural hazards facing the country include sandstorms which sometimes occur during spring in the desert south, droughts which are usually concentrated in summer months, flash floods which create great danger in the deserts due to their lack of notice, and regular earthquakes, most of which are small, although there is a constant risk due to Israel's location along the Jordan Rift Valley. Current environmental concerns include the lack of arable land and natural fresh water resources. Whilst measures have been taken to irrigate and grow in the desert, the amount of water needed here poses issues. Desertification is also a risk possible on the desert fringe, whilst air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions and groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste are also issues facing the country. Furthermore, the effects of the use of chemical fertilizers, and pesticides are issues facing the country. Israel has signed many international environmental agreements and is party to:

• Convention on Biological Diversity
• UNFCCC – Climate Change
• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
• Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
• Hazardous Wastes
• Nuclear Test Ban
• Montreal Protocol – Ozone Layer Protection
• MARPOL 73/78 – Ship Pollution
• Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially As Waterfowl Habitat

Signed but not ratified:

• Kyoto Protocol
• Marine Life Conservation