On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, The Galilee Society, through its Environmental Justice Center, held the “Climate for Change” conference at the Golden Crown Hotel in Nazareth. The event, which began at 9:00 AM, brought together over 130 participants, marking a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to tackle climate challenges in Arab municipalities.
The conference was part of the project “Harnessing Professional Expertise and Localized Knowledge for Collaborative Climate Resilience in Shefa-‘Amr,” funded by the European Union and the Misereo Foundation. This project, developed over the past three and a half years, aims to enhance the participation of civil society in climate resilience efforts within Arab communities in Israel. It seeks to build a collaborative and sustainable climate resilience model for the city of Shefa-‘Amr, based on three pillars: scientific research, local governance, and community engagement.
A Critical Moment in the Fight Against Climate Change
Alaa Obeid, Director of the Climate Project at The Galilee Society, highlighted the significance of both the project and the conference:
“Our ‘Climate for Change’ conference, attended by more than 130 participants, highlighted a critical moment in our efforts to understand and address climate challenges in Arab municipalities. The large turnout and active participation reflect a growing awareness of the importance of these issues. The conference served as a reminder that climate adaptation is not merely a technical or infrastructural challenge; it is also a matter of social justice, community well-being, and human rights.”
Alaa went on to explain the challenges faced by Arab municipalities in adapting to climate change, saying:
“Financial constraints are among the most pressing issues. Municipal and household resources are limited, leading to a continuous budget deficit. There is an urgent need to strengthen local governance capacities and improve coordination between various stakeholders and sectors.”
She emphasized that “climate preparedness cannot be separated from other pressing issues,” adding that developing green spaces, for example, must be accompanied by sustainable waste management to create long-term change.
“The challenges facing our municipalities are not insurmountable, but they require real partnerships and strong capabilities. Climate adaptation must be integrated into all municipal projects and activities. This is not only a technical issue but also a social and human rights one, linked to broader concerns such as health, violence, transportation, and poverty.”
Alaa concluded by saying, “Our conference was a crucial platform to highlight these issues and foster the necessary partnerships to move climate adaptation efforts forward.”
Key Sessions and Discussions
The conference featured welcome speeches from Dr. Abed Masalha, Chairman of the Administrative Board of The Galilee Society; Nadhir Khazim, Mayor of Shefa-‘Amr; and Eduardo Fernández-Zincke, Head of Operations at the European Union Delegation.
The day was structured around four key sessions:
- Session 1: “Resilience Journey: At the Heart of the Shefa-‘Amr Climate Model”
This session presented the model project “Harnessing Professional Expertise and Localized Knowledge for Collaborative Climate Resilience in Shefa-‘Amr.” Alaa Obeid gave an overview of the project, while Alix Pahaut, a Ph.D. student from the University of Haifa and project researcher, presented the results of the climate vulnerability research conducted in partnership with the university. The session also included a presentation by Manar Serya, the community coordinator, who highlighted local initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience. - Session 2: “Bridging the Gaps: How Research Can Complete the Picture”
This session explored how academic research plays a crucial role in climate resilience. Professor Rasim Khamaisi presented a detailed methodology for urban planning in the context of climate adaptation. - Session 3: “Climate Governance: Multi-Level Preparedness for Climate Change”
This session focused on the importance of multi-level governance in climate adaptation. Sondos Saleh, CEO of E.E Compass, discussed mechanisms for forming partnerships and the role of Arab local authorities in planning for climate crises. Community-led initiatives, such as the Khanokh Park project by the Intima’ group, were presented as models for success. - Session 4: Panel Discussion – “Collaborative Approaches to Climate Resilience: The Way Forward”
The final session featured a panel discussion with experts from various sectors, focusing on the collaborative efforts required to build climate resilience in Arab municipalities.
A Call to Action
The “Climate for Change” conference emphasized that Arab municipalities cannot tackle climate challenges alone. Real partnerships, stronger governance structures, and a deeper integration of climate adaptation into all municipal activities are essential for success.
The event highlighted the importance of linking climate adaptation to broader social justice issues, such as public health, transportation, and poverty, stressing that the climate crisis is not just an environmental concern but a human rights issue. The Galilee Society’s ongoing work, through projects like “Harnessing Professional Expertise and Localized Knowledge for Collaborative Climate Resilience in Shefa-‘Amr,” demonstrates the need for continued collaboration and innovation in creating resilient, thriving Arab communities.
This conference was a key step in building the partnerships and capacities needed to drive forward the climate adaptation agenda in Arab municipalities, ensuring that no community is left behind in the face of climate change.
