Israeli gov’t needs a plan to monitor air pollution – The Jerusalem Post

Report on Air Pollution and Sustainable Development in Israel

Executive Summary

An assessment of Israel’s current environmental policy reveals a significant gap in the monitoring and management of air pollution. The absence of a comprehensively funded national plan directly impedes the nation’s progress towards several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines the current deficiencies and their implications for public health, urban sustainability, and climate action, providing recommendations for aligning national strategy with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Current Air Quality Management Deficiencies

Inadequate Monitoring Infrastructure

The existing framework for monitoring air pollution across Israel is insufficient. This lack of comprehensive, real-time data collection prevents accurate assessment of air quality, particularly in densely populated urban centers. This deficiency directly impacts the ability to protect citizens and formulate effective environmental policies, undermining the core principles of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Lack of a Funded National Implementation Plan

The government has not allocated the necessary funds to implement a national strategy for air pollution reduction. This financial shortfall results in a policy vacuum, leaving public health vulnerable and environmental degradation unchecked. A cohesive, well-funded plan is essential for achieving targets related to environmental health and sustainable infrastructure.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The failure to address air pollution has direct and adverse effects on Israel’s commitment to the global SDGs.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Air pollution is a leading environmental threat to human health. The lack of monitoring and control exposes the population, especially vulnerable groups, to harmful pollutants, leading to increased risks of:

• Respiratory illnesses
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Other non-communicable diseases

Achieving Target 3.9, which aims to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution, is not feasible without a robust national air quality plan.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Target 11.6 of the SDGs calls for reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, with a special focus on air quality. The current situation in cities like Jerusalem, as highlighted by environmental challenges, demonstrates a clear divergence from this goal. Sustainable urban development requires clean air as a fundamental component for ensuring the health and quality of life of residents.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Many sources of air pollution, such as emissions from transportation and industry, are also significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By failing to tackle air pollution, Israel misses a critical opportunity to take integrated action that benefits both public health and climate change mitigation, a central tenet of SDG 13.

Recommendations for Strategic Alignment with the 2030 Agenda

To rectify these shortcomings and advance its commitment to the SDGs, the Israeli government should prioritize the following actions:

1. Develop and Fund a National Air Quality Strategy: Allocate sufficient financial resources to create and implement a comprehensive national plan focused on reducing emissions from key sectors.
2. Enhance Monitoring Networks: Invest in expanding and upgrading the national air quality monitoring system to provide reliable, publicly accessible data, in line with the principles of SDG 11.
3. Integrate Health and Environmental Policies: Formulate policies that explicitly link air quality control with public health outcomes, directly addressing the objectives of SDG 3.
4. Promote Sustainable Infrastructure: Encourage investment in clean transport and renewable energy to address the root causes of air pollution, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article’s focus on air pollution as a “persistent plague on the lungs of Jerusalemites” directly connects to public health. Air pollution is a significant environmental health risk, causing respiratory illnesses and other health problems.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The issue is framed within an urban context, specifically Jerusalem. The article highlights the challenge of managing environmental quality in cities, which is a core component of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article critiques the government’s lack of action, stating it “needs a plan to monitor air pollution” and “lacks the funds to implement a national plan.” This points to a failure of institutional effectiveness and governance in addressing a critical environmental and public health issue.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The article’s central theme is the health impact of air pollution. The call for a government plan to monitor and manage air pollution is a direct effort to mitigate the illnesses caused by it, aligning perfectly with this target.
2. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.
   • The article explicitly calls for better monitoring and management of air pollution within the city of Jerusalem. This directly addresses the need to improve urban air quality as specified in this target.
3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • The statement that “Air pollution is not adequately monitored, and the government lacks the funds to implement a national plan” highlights a weakness in institutional capacity and effectiveness. The call for a “plan” is a call for a more effective and accountable institutional response to the problem.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 3.9:
   • While not explicitly stating a metric, the article implies the relevance of Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. The phrase “plague on the lungs” suggests a significant health burden that could be measured by tracking illnesses and deaths related to poor air quality.
2. Indicator for Target 11.6:
   • The article’s call to “monitor air pollution” directly implies the need for Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities. The lack of adequate monitoring is the core problem identified, and establishing such monitoring would be the first step in measuring progress.
3. Indicator for Target 16.6:
   • The article implies a qualitative indicator related to institutional effectiveness. The existence and implementation of a “national plan” for monitoring air pollution would serve as a direct indicator of progress. The article notes the current absence of such a plan due to a lack of funds, making its development and funding a clear measure of improved governance.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: jpost.com