English Edition Introduction

This document was originally published in Hebrew in August 2012, and submitted to the Israeli Government Steering Committee, which was mandated Israel to formulate a national policy for climate change and GHG mitigation. The committee was established in as part of government resolution 1504 (14.3.2010)[1], targeting a GHG emissions reduction rate of 20% of the total emissions expected in 2020, according to ‘business as usual’ scenario. The committee examined the economic impact of the reduction of GHG on the Israeli Economy, and was asked to propose the most efficient policy tools that would ensure the goal was met. This study refers to the national plan prepared by the steering committee, headed by the Director General of the Israel Treasure Ministry. In May 2013 a three-year hold was put on the implementation of the national GHG reduction plan due to budget cuts. The plan was to resume in 2016 with an expected completion by 2023. The position paper is being republished in English in 2015 and including the most up to date information following the government freeze of the national GHG Emission reduction plan