Israel Cuts Industrial Air Pollution by Half in One Decade

Thanks to Israel’s Clean Air Law, introduced a decade ago, Israelis enjoy a healthier life, with their economy poised to save billions.  

By: United with Israel Staff

Israel has significantly reduced its industrial air pollution over the past 10 years, slashing it by about half compared to pollution levels prior to the Clean Air Law’s enactment.

Israeli companies have invested NIS 38 billion ($10.45 billion) in using the best technology available to reduce air pollution, according to Israel’s Ministry of Environment.

Israel’s Clean Air Law was passed in July 2008 and came into effect in January 2011. On the 10th anniversary of its passage, it is clear that the law’s contribution to the Israel’s quality of life and economy far outweighs the economic investment required to implement the law, the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) stated.

The policy’s ultimate financial benefit, according to the report, will eventually amount to an estimated NIS 115 billion.

Overall, the study found that every shekel invested in implementing the Clean Air Law ends up saving the public and the state money by reducing pollution and improving public health. The report also found that the permit process passes the economic feasibility test for most factories in industry and energy production, and yields a positive return to the economy.

‘Undoubtedly a Win-Win’

Israel’s Minister of Environmental Protection Zeev Elkin stated that “the Clean Air Law is undoubtedly a win-win, and is the crowning glory of our efforts to protect the public and the environment. The state of Israel has made a quantum leap in protecting the environment by adopting the principles of environmental policy. These measures have been translated into a significant reduction in air pollution emissions in urban areas and in emissions from coal-fired power stations.  ”

The Clean Air Law dictates stringent regulations to reduce pollution from 175 industrial plants and power stations.

The law’s regulations set maximum concentrations of emission values for the most common air pollutants: SO2, NOX, PM 2 and PM 10.5, and various NMVOCs such as benzene (C6H6).

Chemical substances that are among the major causes of deaths around the world and put the health of children, the elderly, asthma patients and those who often exercise outdoors at risk are closely monitored, according to the Ministry of Environment.

Constant examination of air quality showed a decrease in all emissions of primary pollutants. The pollutants concentration was reduced from 55 percent to 81 percent over the last decade, according to the Ministry of Environment.

MoEP Director General Yisrael Dancziger stated that “the law is working, which has translated to public health – and that’s just the beginning. From here we are expanding the use of the law to reduce air pollution from transportation and from energy production and fires – all to improve the health of residents of the State of Israel.”

Over the past years, Israel has become a leading force in clean technologies and a global exporter of renewable power sources.

Israel’s cleantech projects are world-renowned, and in include innovative ideas such as powering entire buildings through the use of solar panels, converting wind into electricity, new technologies for clean water and many other inventions that are making the world cleaner and more energy-efficient.

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