TheCable

Michael Freeman, Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, says his country is committed to assisting in developing practical technologies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Freeman spoke on Tuesday during the awareness campaign of the importance of “Earth Day”, in Abuja.

International Mother Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22. This year, the theme which is “invest in our planet” seeks to encourage governments and citizens to improve the environment and make it healthy for future generations.  

Freeman said Israel is inventing cost-effective and applicable technologies to fight against the negative effects of climate change and save the earth. 

He said Israel has expertise in the use of renewable energy and storage to tackle climate crises, adding that the country is ready to share its knowledge with Nigeria. 

Freeman said waste recycling, forest planting, growing higher-yielding crops, weather forecasting, and the use of satellites are some measures that would help in reducing damage caused to the planet. 

“My country, Israel, is developing practical, applicable, and relatively inexpensive technologies, to help save our planet,” he said. 

“Due to our location in the desert with the scarcity of natural resources and water, Israel is a living laboratory for developing practical, earth-saving solutions that are also incredibly relevant for Nigeria.

“Israel recycles and reuses 94 percent of its wastewater, primarily for agriculture, which when combined with drip technology increases crop output, while utilising significantly less resources.

“The development of drought-resistant crops, use of brackish water in agriculture, development of crops with a higher yield, biological pesticides, use of satellites and precision agriculture, all of these Israeli technologies contribute to increasing food security and reducing damage to natural resources.

“Israel has accumulated vast experience in planting forests in semi-arid regions and preserving them in dry and extreme conditions. 

“Experience that is priceless as Nigeria and her neighbours embark on an important “great green wall” project, this know-how and experience are priceless for the world, where forests so necessary to deal with climate crises are dying from heat, drought, and diseases.

“From crop, growing to flood reduction and from weather forecasting to post-harvest, Israeli technology is making a difference and we are eager to share that with Nigeria.

“Africa, and Nigeria in particular, are suffering disproportionately. It may seem like the human race is losing the battle and even losing hope, but that is not an option.”