Will world leaders at the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow do the right thing and sign a broad agreement on cutting greenhouse gas emissions and other moves that will help tackle worrying climate trends? Probably not. Still, given the failure of previous attempts to contend with these challenges, giving up is not an option. There is simply too much at stake.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Popular opinion holds that the challenges we face know no boundaries. That is why, as concerned and inquisitive citizens of the world, we Israelis should recognize not just the role our leaders have in this effort but that of global corporations, regulation, and taxation.
From this standpoint, the current conference provides us with a good opportunity for analyzing intra-national power relations. We should examine potential collaborations through a realpolitik worldview. Let us take this opportunity to mention the absence of the presidents of China – the world's greatest polluter – and Russia, a lack of interest in signing on a resolution "on the spot " the abrogation of commitments reached in Paris in 2015, and in particular, the failure by developed states to transfer the necessary funds to prepare for the challenge at hand.
What, then, can be achieved at the Glasgow conference? A resolution can be reached on mandatory monitoring. Pressure can also be exerted on world leaders in the coming years alongside public pressure on corporations. Such a resolution could have an impact not only on the current mood but on our future one decade on.
Israel may be late to the party, but it's not too late for it to fall in line with leading states. Now is the time to wake up. From Israel's perspective, the conference should serve as a stepping stone on the country's path to dealing with pressing environmental issues. That is why it is so important we set out measurable targets in the immediate term: Declaring a climate crisis, taking a leading role in the use of renewable solar energy, and implementing comprehensive public transportation reforms would all be positive steps for our children's future. More importantly, these steps do not require a climate conference to succeed.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
