German-Israeli Forum for Environment and Sustainability

A platform to deliberate the transition to a decarbonized and sustainable society

With climate change being the defining challenge of our generation, threatening to disrupt the ecological system on which we all depend, the German-Israeli Forum for Environment and Sustainability aims to foster exchange of ideas and best practices among professionals from academic and policy communities in Israel and Germany. The platform is a fruit of collaboration between the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the Israeli Public Policy Institute (IPPI).

Analysis and Explainers

The Transition to Electric Vehicles in Israel

Explainer

Israel has great potential for adopting EVs. As a relatively small and densely-populated country, it requires a simple charging infrastructure. It has its own sources of natural gas, relatively low electricity prices, and high fuel prices that can push the market to adopt EVs.

By Michal Reut-Gelbart

What is the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and what does it mean for Israel?

Explainer

Taking a new approach to carbon leakage, the EU has announced it will implement a ‘carbon border adjustment mechanism’ (CBAM) as part of the EU Green Deal. This explainer provides an overview of the key design elements of the Commission’s proposal, and assesses its relevance for exporters from Israel.

By Michael Jakob

Wingcopter 178 HL on a vaccine delivery flight in Vanuatu.

Publications

Leaving No One Behind

Policy Paper

The paper aims to provide decision makers and experts with tangible findings and insights on which segments of the population in Israel might be negatively impacted by a carbon pricing reform. How can the socially unbalanced outcomes be addressed during the planning process?

By Leonard Missbach and Dr. Jan Steckel

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Professionalizing Climate Policy via Legislation

Policy Paper

An overview of over 20 good practice examples of national climate laws which can serve as a guide for governments in the process of (re-)designing their own climate governance system.

By Nick Evans and Matthias Duwe

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Using Second Life Electric Vehicle Batteries To Store Renewable Energy

Policy Paper

Analysis of the environmental, economic and regulatory aspects of using second life batteries with an emphasis on the Israeli and German cases.

By Rafael Fleischman

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Leveraging the Benefits of Smart Mobility via an Integrated Data Platform

Policy Paper

Sustainable Urban Development: How can big data and AI methods in smart mobility best be managed to deliver desirable goals whilst also managing risks?

By Prof. Dr. Felix Creutzig

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Making Smart Mobility Sustainable

Policy Paper

A comprehensive assessment of the environmental effects of different shared mobility options. How can shared mobility be effectively designed in order to contribute to achieving low-carbon mobility?

By Prof. Dr. Felix Creutzig

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German and Israeli Cities at the Intersection of Tech Innovation and Decarbonization: Trends and Challenges

Policy Paper

Cities as a Sink for Innovation and Decarbonization in Germany and Israel. How are decarbonization and innovation coupled in both countries, and what does their nexus bring with it?

By Ira Shefer

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People raising up their hands with a large hand in the background

Towards Democratic Innovation in Israel: The Case for Citizens' Assemblies

Policy Paper

Citizens' Assemblies as Investigators for Climate Change - Can democracies tackle the challenges required for decarbonization and sustainable societies?

By Dr. David Dunetz

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Accelerating Cleantech Commercialization in Israel

Policy Paper

In Israel various sustainable technologies are invented, only few break through - reflecting a common problem: getting cleantech from the lab to the market.

By Diana Süsser

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Events and Workshops

Leaving no one behind - Carbon pricing in Israel and Germany

Experts' Workshop

First experts’ workshop in the event series on the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy – Perspectives from Germany and Israel. The workshop brought together experts from Germany and Israel to explore the potential effects of carbon pricing on households and the industry in Israel as well as pathways ways to circumvent potential regressive effects.

Towards Climate Legislation in Israel

Experts' Workshop

This international experts’ workshop dedicated to the subject of Climate Legislation, brought together a range of environmental policy experts from Germany and Israel to review global trends and learn from the experience of other countries with the aim of identifying potential best practices and key lessons that can inform and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Making Smart Mobility Sustainable

Experts' Workshop

Third experts’ workshop in the event series on the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy – Perspectives from Germany and Israel. The workshop set out to explore the potential of smart and shared mobility in reducing carbon emissions, as well as pathways to leverage this potential.

Experts' Workshop on the strategies to foster clean technologies in Israel organized by Fellow Dr. Diana Süsser

Experts' workshop on a carbon pricing strategy for Israel at the Bank of Israel

Experts' workshop with Fellow Dr. Felix Creutzig on the potential of an integrated data platform to drive sustainability in urban centers

Fellowship Program

Climate Action Takes Shape in Israel

Fellow Spotlight

As a Visiting Research Fellow at the IASS Potsdam on a joint program with the Israel Public Policy Institute, David Dunetz has researched how civic engagement and participation processes can advance climate policy and democratic innovation.

Dr. David Dunetz presents his research on the potential of citizen assemblies as part of the effort to address climate change

Fellow Rafael Fleischman presents his research conducted on the potential of electric vehicle batteries to store renewable energy

Dr. Felix Creutzig presenting his research on the potential and viability of an Integrated Data Platform that was carried out during his Fellowship in Israel

Fellow Diana Süsser presents her research on ways to foster the Israeli cleantech ecosystem

Public event on fair street space allocation - Perspectives from Berlin and Tel Aviv with Fellow Dr. Felix Creutzig and Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv Meital Lehavi

Our partners

Pricing carbon

Study

Both in Germany and internationally, the debate on the pricing of greenhouse gas emissions is experiencing a renaissance. However, an enlightened and realistic discussion of ways and means is needed so that CO2 pricing instruments can play a stronger role in climate policy. In this study, climate and energy expert Felix Chr. Matthes of the Öko-Institut examines the relevant elements of a CO2 pricing strategy. He gives an overview of design criteria and mechanisms of action.

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