PARIS — Israeli Environment Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg traveled to France March 29 for a three-day ministerial meeting in the OECD on climate change and plastic pollution. Playing a central role in the organization of the Paris conference, the minister intervened several times in the forum and presented Israel’s policies on a series on environmental topics.

On March 6, the environment protection ministry published its annual work plan for 2022, which addresses combating the climate crisis, rehabilitation and preservation of natural systems, the transition to a circular economy, improving the state of the environment in Arab society, and adapting to international standards. Zandberg's goals are in sync with the environmental goals set by OECD member states.  

Israel’s foreign ministry is also engaged in promoting cooperation with other OECD countries on climate and the protection of nature. Ambassador Haim Assaraf, in charge of relations with multilateral organizations, has been championing these efforts for the past year and a half.

Leading environmentalist organization Adam Teva V’Din has been calling for a law that would frame national goals for combating climate change and coordinate the required actions by all the cabinet ministries. Based on their own experience and on international examples, the group has provided the ministry with ideas and concepts for an Israeli climate bill. Zandberg's announcement this week that such a bill will soon be introduced was hailed by the green group.