Israel approves plan to reduce greenhouse gases, sees over Rs 53000 crore economic boost

Israel's cabinet on Sunday unanimously approved a plan for reducing greenhouse gases and increasing energy efficiency to benefit the economy.

Government officials expect the cumulative benefit to Israel's economy would reach more than 30 billion shekels ($8 billion, or 53,222 crore), the finance, energy, environment and economy ministries said in a statement.

"We intend to continue to invest in resources as needed to further reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions," Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon said.

Under the plan, which follows last year's international climate accord in Paris, Israel will grant 500 million shekels in guarantees for loans to boost energy efficiency and 300 million shekels in grants for projects that will lead to efficiency in industry, the business sector and municipalities.

Israel has committed to cut per capita greenhouse gas emissions to 7.7 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) by 2030. This represents a reduction of 26% over emissions in 2005. Cabinet ministers said they would examine ways to lower the use of coal and encourage the transition to natural gas to lead to a substantial drop in air pollution.

They also will study measures to help make transportation more efficient and cut travel times, while setting up a team to remove barriers to encourage Israel's clean-tech sector and give tax incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy and promote green building projects.