From the Liveblog of
Monday, November 1, 2021
In Glasgow, Bennett calls Israel the ‘climate innovation nation’
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
“Israel is at the beginning of a revolution on climate change,” pledges Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in his address at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland.
The address, as well as the entire session, was delayed by hours.
Bennett says that Israel has started implementing its “100-step plan,” a $4.8 billion action plan submitted for government approval last week.
He also emphasizes that Israel is committing to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and to phasing out the use of coal by 2025.
But he says that as a small country, the biggest contribution Israel can make is through innovative technologies.
“We need to contribute Israel’s most valuable source of energy: the energy and brainpower of our people,” says Bennett.
Bennett calls on Israeli entrepreneurs to be “game changers”: “Instead of building yet another hyped-up app, launch startups that will help solve this global threat.”
He also announces a task force called the “Green Sandbox” to provide funds and to help entrepreneurs navigate bureaucratic hurdles.
“Israel is the climate innovation nation and we’re ready to lead the way,” he concludes.
