Pollutant emissions in Israel decreased amid the war

The volume of pollutant emissions decreased in 2025, according to a report by the Ministry of Environmental Protection based on data from Israel's largest industrial facilities. Nitrogen oxide emissions, linked to power generation, transport, and port activities, fell by 13%. Sulfur oxide emissions from coal combustion dropped by 49%. Additionally, emissions of respirable particles (PM2.5 and PM10) decreased by 22%, and greenhouse gas emissions fell by 3%.

This reduction saved the economy 4.2 billion shekels in external costs, such as healthcare expenses and climate damage. Key factors included:

1. An 80% reduction in coal usage at units 1-4 of the Orot Rabin power station in Hadera.

2. Increased electricity production from renewable sources.

3. A decrease in forest fires and municipal waste site fires.

However, some areas, such as Ashdod, saw a 14% increase in carcinogenic pollutant emissions. Total external costs from pollution last year reached 34 billion shekels, a 12% decrease compared to 2024.

Challenges in Monitoring and Data Accuracy

The Orot Rabin power station remains the most polluting facility, despite a 49% reduction in its environmental impact. The Nesher cement plant ranks second, followed by the Rotenberg power station. Experts note that these improvements are often driven by the war-induced slowdown in industrial activity rather than proactive environmental policy.

Prof. Adi Wolfson from the Sami Shamoon Academic College highlights that monitoring station data in city centers often contradicts factory reports. In Haifa Bay, despite the overall downward trend, emissions of suspected carcinogens rose by 4%, and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) increased by 15%. The Ministry of Environmental Protection acknowledges a discrepancy between industry reports and actual benzene measurements, though the source of this gap remains undetermined.