Israel’s Ambassador and Special Envoy for Climate Change and Sustainability, Gideon Behar, who is also the country’s Ambassador-designate to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, speaks to OBAFEMI OBADARE in Jerusalem, on how Africa can address energy poverty and transform waste into a valuable asset
How are you looking forward to your new assignment in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and the Seychelles?
It is a profound honour to be appointed as an ambassador to such dynamic and diverse countries. East Africa and the Indian Ocean region are rich in culture, biodiversity, and human potential. I look forward to deepening the strong partnerships between Israel and these nations in areas such as sustainable agriculture, clean energy, water management, and innovation. This assignment is not merely a diplomatic mission; it is a shared journey towards a more climate-resilient and sustainable future.
What can Africa learn from your current role as the Israeli Ambassador and Special Envoy for Climate Change and Sustainability?
As Israel’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and Sustainability, I’ve focused on fostering international cooperation around practical solutions to the climate crisis. Africa, with its vast youth population and burgeoning innovation ecosystems, stands at a pivotal crossroads.
One key lesson is that climate diplomacy must be linked to development — sustainable solutions should create jobs, empower communities, and protect ecosystems. Israel has learnt that when policy, technology, and community engagement work in unison, meaningful progress follows.
Israel is in a desert. How is it turning this disadvantage into an advantage?
Indeed, over 60 per cent of Israel’s land is desert. But necessity bred innovation. We developed drip irrigation systems to grow crops with minimal water. We recycle over 96 per cent of our wastewater, the highest rate in the world — and we’ve pioneered desalination to supply clean drinking water to our cities. Living in arid conditions pushed us to think creatively, turning scarcity into opportunity. That same mindset can be adapted in many parts of Africa.
How can Africa turn waste into wealth and sustain the environment?
This is one of the great opportunities of our time. Waste is not merely a problem; it is a resource. Organic waste can be converted into compost or biogas. Plastics and metals can be recycled into new products, creating jobs and reducing pollution. Israel is working with partners in Africa to develop circular economy solutions that are locally appropriate.
By investing in circular economies, waste-to-energy systems, recycling hubs, and environmental education, African nations can both clean their environment and generate inclusive economic growth.
What lessons can the rest of the world learn from Israel regarding environmental sustainability?
I would highlight three main lessons. First: protect the environment and nature, and invest in innovation that serves people, not just profit. Second: foster strong partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector. Third: think long-term. Israel’s reforestation programme, which began over 120 years ago, transformed degraded land into green forests. Sustainability is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and it must be rooted in local solutions.
How can Africa overcome energy poverty?
Energy access is foundational for development. The good news is that Africa is rich in solar, wind, and geothermal resources. The key lies in decentralised, off-grid solutions, especially for rural areas.
Israel is already partnering African innovators to bring solar-powered irrigation, microgrids, and energy storage to remote communities. Policies that attract private investment combined with international cooperation can transform the energy landscape and unlock Africa’s full potential.
What is the difference between thermal energy and other forms of energy?
Thermal energy generally refers to energy generated from heat, whether from burning fossil fuels, biomass, or harnessing geothermal heat from the Earth. It differs from renewable sources like solar photovoltaic (which converts sunlight directly into electricity), wind (which harnesses kinetic energy), or geothermal power (which uses heat from deep underground). Each has its role, but renewables offer the major advantage of being cleaner and more environmentally sustainable.
What should Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad do to revive the Lake Chad Basin?
Reviving Lake Chad is not only an ecological priority but also a matter of regional stability and food security. Restoration will require a coordinated strategy, including sustainable water management, climate-resilient agriculture, reforestation, and regional cooperation.
Israel would be honoured to support such efforts, particularly by sharing water-saving technologies and agricultural expertise. Regional ownership, international partnerships, and strong community engagement are key to success.
What is the future of agriculture, considering advancing desertification in sub-Saharan Africa?
The future of agriculture lies in adaptation. One of the most important steps African countries can take is to expand irrigated agriculture. Rainfall patterns are changing and can no longer be relied upon as in the past. Climate-smart farming practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, precision irrigation, and drought-resistant crops will be essential.
Israel’s experience growing food in arid conditions can provide valuable insights. But more importantly, it’s about empowering African farmers with knowledge, tools, and market access. Over the past 60 years, Israel has been doing this, educating and building capacity in many thousands of agricultural specialists from Africa.
With the right investments, agriculture can continue to be the backbone of African prosperity and the main source of livelihood for millions of smallholder farmers — even amid a changing climate.
