Israeli mayor leads Haifa's charge against climate change
Haifa Mayor Einat Kalisch-Rotem has put the challenges of climate change and sustainable development at the forefront of her agenda.
Haifa became the first Israeli city to independently sign the Paris climate agreement Feb. 8. Haifa municipality stated on Facebook, “Haifa recognizes the urgency of taking action to limit the rise in temperature and examine decisions from an environmental point of view.’’ Haifa Mayor Einat Kalisch-Rotem was quoted as saying, "I believe that on the environmental issue, cities have the power to lead change, without waiting for it to come from the central government.’’
Haifa is not the only Israeli city to publicly take on climate and environmental challenges. Last August, the Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality presented a climate action plan to cope with the threats of climate change. The plan was developed as part of Tel Aviv’s partnership with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, an international network of cities fighting global warming.
The Arab city of Taibeh is a member of another action network called ClimaMed, which brings together cities in the southern Mediterranean basin. With the support of ClimaMed, Taibeh is advancing an ambitious plan to rehabilitate the East Taibeh waste site.
Other Israeli cities have taken action against climate change and other environmental concerns, but Haifa's is a special story about two assertive and environmentally minded female mayors.
