Israeli Perceptions of Climate change Climate change

Israeli Perceptions of Climate change & Climate change Policy Lucy Michaels Doctoral Candidate Ben Gurion University Supervisor: Professor Alon Tal

Israel CO 2 emissions per sector 2001 figures Energy use in

Policy challenges to address current public behaviours: • Transportation: 22% CO emissions is high 2 • compared to global average of 14%. Partly due to reliance on private transport. 62% of Israelis commute private cars. High energy demand: 32% out of 37% used in households. Israelis are significant users of energy-intensive appliances. Air conditioners are 40% of total electricity output in Summer. Sources: Ministry of Environmental Protection; Ministry of National Infrastructure (2006 figures).

How much have you heard or read about global warming or climate change?

As you may know, the overall temperature of the earth is increasing, sometimes called ‘global warming’ or ‘climate change’. Do you believe that human activity such as transportation & industry, is or is not a significant cause of climate change?

From what you know about climate change, do you think it poses significant threat, a small threat or no threat to Israel?

As you may know, there is discussion in the global community about whether it is necessary to take measures to reduce the impact of human activities thought to cause climate change. Would you say that you believe that:

In order to address the problem of climate change or global warming, do you think it will be necessary to For individuals in Israel to make changes in their lifestyle and behaviour in order to reduce the amount of climate changing gases they produce.

“it is difficult to imagine a more supportive public opinion environment for national leaders to commit to climate action”. BBC World Service Poll, Sept 2007 22, 000 people in 21 countries However, would Israelis change their behaviours or pay more for gas and electricity in order to reduce their CO 2 emissions from energy use?

Would it be necessary to increase the cost of the types of energy that cause climate change, such as coal and oil/petrol, in order to encourage individuals and industry to use less?

Here is a list of the possible lifestyle changes that people might make in order to reduce CO 2 emissions. Would you be willing to: • 28% willing to use a car less • 24% willing to take fewer flights • 51% Reduce gas/ electricity use at home • 56% Reduce water use at home Note: Those with no access to cars or who do not fly are excluded from these figures.

Why a ‘gap’ between attitudes and behaviours about climate change? • Knowledge deficit? • Personal beliefs • Social norms • Media representations • Distant or close threat?

Preliminary conclusions • Israelis are concerned & convinced but not • enough to change their way of life. More effective communication needed to: a) Present clear message b) Show individual action makes a difference c) Highlight simple energy saving measures c) Show issue is relevant locally d) Present ‘low carbon future’ as positive & popular step to meaningful, healthy & fair future

Carbon Taxation Revenue to renewable energy No rise in overall tax burden due to tax cuts elsewhere