Thursday, March 22, 2007
Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
Resources can be separated into two categories: renewable resources and nonrenewable resources. Renewable resources can be used again, without running out, providing that they are not used too fast. Nonrenewable resources are one-use resources. Once they are used up, they're gone! Israel has both renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Land Use
Most of Israel’s desert regions have poor soils, but the northern Negev, the coastal plains and the interior valleys have some patches of good soils. Around 21% of Israel’s land is used for crops and orchards. About 60% of Israel is covered in desert.
Israel's Forests
Only 3.7% of Israel is covered by forests, either natural or man-made. The Mediterranean climate is found in about 40% of Israel. About 70% of the man-made forests in the country are found in this climate. There are not many forested areas in Israel, compared to other countries with Mediterranean climate. 
Most of the forests in Israel were planted after a long forestation effort, carried out by the British Mandatory government. When Israel gained its independence in 1949, the government planted more trees. The Israeli government is responsible for planting and maintaining all of the man-made forests. Citizens are also asked to reduce, reuse and recycle their products that are made from trees as part of the conservation effort.
Most of the Mediterranean vegetation in Israel was destroyed by overgrazing and over-cutting. As a result of this, the vegetation couldn’t recover. In 1995, forests covered 826,598 dunams (826 kilometres). By the year 2020, the government plans to double this area.
Forest Fires
There have always been lots of forest fires in Israel. The Mediterranean forests consist of oaks and bushes, and the wild lands, that have no trees, are mainly grasses and small bushes. The fires on these two types of vegetation are very extensive, since they start in remote areas, and they are not detected until a lot of damage is done.
The hot, dry and windy weather is the most dangerous conditions for the risks of forest fires. There are many things that can cause these forest fires. In the past years, mainly the 1950’s and the 1960’s, agricultural burning of stubble has been the most common causes of fires. The secondary cause of fires is people not being careful with burning cigarettes. Arson is also a factor in the starting of forest fires. The arsonists are usually criminals who try to collect insurance money. The arson forest fires usually start at the edge of the Palestine-Israel border (on the Palestine side), and work their way to Israel. The military also is the cause of some fires, since they train with live ammunition, and sometimes start fires.
Most of the forests in Israel were planted after a long forestation effort, carried out by the British Mandatory government. When Israel gained its independence in 1949, the government planted more trees. The Israeli government is responsible for planting and maintaining all of the man-made forests. Citizens are also asked to reduce, reuse and recycle their products that are made from trees as part of the conservation effort.
Most of the Mediterranean vegetation in Israel was destroyed by overgrazing and over-cutting. As a result of this, the vegetation couldn’t recover. In 1995, forests covered 826,598 dunams (826 kilometres). By the year 2020, the government plans to double this area.
Forest Fires
There have always been lots of forest fires in Israel. The Mediterranean forests consist of oaks and bushes, and the wild lands, that have no trees, are mainly grasses and small bushes. The fires on these two types of vegetation are very extensive, since they start in remote areas, and they are not detected until a lot of damage is done.
The hot, dry and windy weather is the most dangerous conditions for the risks of forest fires. There are many things that can cause these forest fires. In the past years, mainly the 1950’s and the 1960’s, agricultural burning of stubble has been the most common causes of fires. The secondary cause of fires is people not being careful with burning cigarettes. Arson is also a factor in the starting of forest fires. The arsonists are usually criminals who try to collect insurance money. The arson forest fires usually start at the edge of the Palestine-Israel border (on the Palestine side), and work their way to Israel. The military also is the cause of some fires, since they train with live ammunition, and sometimes start fires.
Israel Water
Water is considered to be the most important natural resource. It is essential to keep people’s well-being their quality of life. Israel has suffered a long-term water shortage for years. In the past few years, the water situation has become a crisis so severe that people fear that it will be difficult for the country to supply water requirements. The current shortage of water in Israel amounts to about 2 billion cubic meters, the same amount of water consumed every year.
The causes of Israel’s water shortage are both natural and man-made. The country has faced four consecutive years of drought. There has been an increase in the demand for water, caused by the growing population and the rising standard of living. The policy regarding water combined with not enough action to stop this crisis has also affected the shortage. Agriculture has suffered from this because farmers are not able to plant and maintain the crops.
The causes of Israel’s water shortage are both natural and man-made. The country has faced four consecutive years of drought. There has been an increase in the demand for water, caused by the growing population and the rising standard of living. The policy regarding water combined with not enough action to stop this crisis has also affected the shortage. Agriculture has suffered from this because farmers are not able to plant and maintain the crops.
Water Resources
The average potential of renewable water comes to 1,800 million meters cubed every year. 95% of this is already used for domestic consumption and irrigation. Around 80% of the water potential is in the northern parts of the country, and the remaining 20% is in the south.
Israel’s main freshwater resources are: Lake Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee, the Coastal Aquifer, and the Mountain Aquifer. There are also other smaller freshwater resources in the country.
The two most reliable and least expensive ways to extend Israel’s water resources are water conservation and water use efficiency. There are some public water conservation groups that are trying to reduce the consumption of water and to increase the awareness of water scarcity.
Israel’s conservation efforts are aimed at improving water efficiency, managing the water, and to control the water. They are incouraged to reduce their use of water. The citizens of the country are asked to save water, using the slogan “Don’t waste a drop”. Parks are also helping out by planting drought-resistant plants and watering at night
Israel’s main freshwater resources are: Lake Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee, the Coastal Aquifer, and the Mountain Aquifer. There are also other smaller freshwater resources in the country.
The two most reliable and least expensive ways to extend Israel’s water resources are water conservation and water use efficiency. There are some public water conservation groups that are trying to reduce the consumption of water and to increase the awareness of water scarcity.
Israel’s conservation efforts are aimed at improving water efficiency, managing the water, and to control the water. They are incouraged to reduce their use of water. The citizens of the country are asked to save water, using the slogan “Don’t waste a drop”. Parks are also helping out by planting drought-resistant plants and watering at night
Water Quality
The water quality in Israel varies from high quality water from the Upper Jordan River, to lower quality of water from groundwater. The taking of groundwater is controlled to prevent seawater from mixing with water from the Coastal Aquifer. Despite Israel’s efforts to limit the water use, global warming and droughts decrease the amount of water. There is also pollutants from human activities that increase the amount of minerals and other pollutants in the groundwater. Increased levels of salt have occurred in many wells.
Water Distribution
Water is distributed in Israel by Mekorot Water Company Ltd. It is a government-owned company and it’s responsible for managing most of the water resources. Mekorot produces and supplies around two-thirds of the total amount of water in the country. The rest of the water is provided through privately-owned businesses and facilities.
The shortage of water in the south created the need for a water-delivery system that delivers from the north. Most of Israel’s fresh water resources are interconnected into the National Water Carrier, which supplies both surface and groundwater.
The shortage of water in the south created the need for a water-delivery system that delivers from the north. Most of Israel’s fresh water resources are interconnected into the National Water Carrier, which supplies both surface and groundwater.
Nonrenewable Resources
The Mineral Industry of Israel
Israel is a producer of metals like lead, magnesium, steel, and zinc. Israel produces industrial minerals such as bromine, flint clay, gypsum, magnesia, phosphate, potash, silica sand, and sulfur. The building materials that are produced in Israel include cement, crushed stone, marble, and sand. The country also cuts imported diamond and produces fertilizers, natural gas, petroleum and petroleum products, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid.
In 2001, Israel’s gross domestic product (GDP), the total amount of all goods and services produced within one year in a country, totaled to $118.4 billion. The GDP decreased by 0.6% in 2001, after a 6.4% increase in 2000, and a 2.6% increase in 1999. In 2000, the value of nonmetallic mineral products fell, while chemicals, petroleum, and metals rose.
Israel’s total exports amounted to nearly $28.3 billion. The main exports are fertilizer, (bringing in $418 million), metal ($279 million), and petroleum products ($227 million). Israel’s other major exports are fertilizers and minerals ($175.2 million), and metallic-ferrous (metal iron) ores and scrap provide $52.8 million.
Israel’s imports cost $35.2 billion. Mineral fuels are nearly $3.25 billion, while iron and steel are $629 million, and non-ferrous metals (no iron) account for $424.8 million. Israel also imports crude fertilizers and minerals costing $168.9 million.
Israel is a producer of metals like lead, magnesium, steel, and zinc. Israel produces industrial minerals such as bromine, flint clay, gypsum, magnesia, phosphate, potash, silica sand, and sulfur. The building materials that are produced in Israel include cement, crushed stone, marble, and sand. The country also cuts imported diamond and produces fertilizers, natural gas, petroleum and petroleum products, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid.
In 2001, Israel’s gross domestic product (GDP), the total amount of all goods and services produced within one year in a country, totaled to $118.4 billion. The GDP decreased by 0.6% in 2001, after a 6.4% increase in 2000, and a 2.6% increase in 1999. In 2000, the value of nonmetallic mineral products fell, while chemicals, petroleum, and metals rose.
Israel’s total exports amounted to nearly $28.3 billion. The main exports are fertilizer, (bringing in $418 million), metal ($279 million), and petroleum products ($227 million). Israel’s other major exports are fertilizers and minerals ($175.2 million), and metallic-ferrous (metal iron) ores and scrap provide $52.8 million.
Israel’s imports cost $35.2 billion. Mineral fuels are nearly $3.25 billion, while iron and steel are $629 million, and non-ferrous metals (no iron) account for $424.8 million. Israel also imports crude fertilizers and minerals costing $168.9 million.
Israel's Metals
Lead
Harkunas Lead Works, which is Israel’s secondary lead smelter, increased its output by an expansion project that nearly doubled its capacity to 25,000 tons per year. Harkunas imports most of its lead scrap material from Eastern Europe. Most of the plant’s exports are shipped to Greece, Italy, and Spain. Israel’s use of refined lead has increased from 11,000 to 14,000 tons in four years.
Magnesium
Dead Sea Magnesium Ltd. operates a magnesium refinery with a capacity of 34,000 tons. Salt water from the Dead Sea is used by Dead Sea Periclase Ltd. in the production of magnesia. Other magnesium products that are produced in Israel included magnesium chloride flakes and magnesium nitrate fertilize.
Steel
Yehuda Steel Ltd. operates rolling mills at Ashdod and Gedera, where it produces rebar rods. This company also produces crude steel. Israel imports nearly 1.42 million tons of semi manufactured, and finished, steel products.
Zinc
Numinor Chemical Industries Ltd. uses zinc scraps to produce refined zinc ingots, zinc powder, zinc oxide, and other materials containing zinc. The company exports its products to Africa, Asia, and Europe. It’s estimated that Israel’s consumption of refined zinc was 11,000 tons a year from 1999 to 2001.
Harkunas Lead Works, which is Israel’s secondary lead smelter, increased its output by an expansion project that nearly doubled its capacity to 25,000 tons per year. Harkunas imports most of its lead scrap material from Eastern Europe. Most of the plant’s exports are shipped to Greece, Italy, and Spain. Israel’s use of refined lead has increased from 11,000 to 14,000 tons in four years.
Magnesium
Dead Sea Magnesium Ltd. operates a magnesium refinery with a capacity of 34,000 tons. Salt water from the Dead Sea is used by Dead Sea Periclase Ltd. in the production of magnesia. Other magnesium products that are produced in Israel included magnesium chloride flakes and magnesium nitrate fertilize.
Steel
Yehuda Steel Ltd. operates rolling mills at Ashdod and Gedera, where it produces rebar rods. This company also produces crude steel. Israel imports nearly 1.42 million tons of semi manufactured, and finished, steel products.
Zinc
Numinor Chemical Industries Ltd. uses zinc scraps to produce refined zinc ingots, zinc powder, zinc oxide, and other materials containing zinc. The company exports its products to Africa, Asia, and Europe. It’s estimated that Israel’s consumption of refined zinc was 11,000 tons a year from 1999 to 2001.
Industrial Minerals
Bromine
Salt water and carnallite (a mineral used in fertilizers) from the Dead Sea is extracted by the Dead Sea Bromine Group. They produce bromine, as well as bromine products that are used in air conditioning, batteries, cleaning solvents, flame retardants, mineral separation, oil drilling, photography, and water treatment. More than 90% of bromine sales is from exports. Dead Sea Bromine Group accounts for 35% of the world’s bromine production.
Cement
Nesher Israel Cement Enterprises Ltd. is the country’s only producer of cement. There are three plants, located in Haifa, Har-Tuv, Ramla. These plants had a total production capacity of 8 million tons per year. Exports are mostly shipped to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. All imported cement comes from Turkey, and hard bricks come from Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey.
Diamond
Fabrikant & Salant Ltd., L.L.D. Diamonds Ltd., and Schachter & Namdar Polishing Works Ltd. are the largest exporters of diamond in Israel. In 2001, the value of imported rough diamond totaled $3.37 billion. Nearly $1.03 billion of rough diamond was re-exported in 2001.
Nitrogen
Israel imports about 85,000 tons of nitrogen. Most ammonia imports are from the Ukraine. Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd., Haifa Chemicals, and Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. produce compound fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous.
Phosphate
Israel’s phosphate rock resources are mines by Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. This company produces phosphoric acid, and fertilizers like monopotassium phosphate, single superphosphate, and triple superphosphate. Rotem exports nearly 30% of its phosphate rock.
Potash
Carnallite that contains potassium from the Dead Sea was mined as raw material for DSW’s potash plants. This company is the world’s fourth largest producer of potash. About 87% of the potash is exported to other countries. Brazil is the largest buyer of Israel’s potash, at 26% of the total exports.
Silica Sand
Negev Industrial Minerals, which is located in Hatira, mines and screened high-purity silica sand, which is used in ceramics, construction, die casting, and flat and container glass industries.
Sulfur
Israel’s production of sulfur averages to nearly 33,000 tons per year. Sulfur is produced in Ashdod and Haifa, in plants operated by Oil Refineries Ltd. Most of Israel’s demand for sulfur is met by importing it. About 68% of Israel’s sulfuric acid is used in producing fertilizer.
Salt water and carnallite (a mineral used in fertilizers) from the Dead Sea is extracted by the Dead Sea Bromine Group. They produce bromine, as well as bromine products that are used in air conditioning, batteries, cleaning solvents, flame retardants, mineral separation, oil drilling, photography, and water treatment. More than 90% of bromine sales is from exports. Dead Sea Bromine Group accounts for 35% of the world’s bromine production.
Cement
Nesher Israel Cement Enterprises Ltd. is the country’s only producer of cement. There are three plants, located in Haifa, Har-Tuv, Ramla. These plants had a total production capacity of 8 million tons per year. Exports are mostly shipped to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. All imported cement comes from Turkey, and hard bricks come from Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey.
Diamond
Fabrikant & Salant Ltd., L.L.D. Diamonds Ltd., and Schachter & Namdar Polishing Works Ltd. are the largest exporters of diamond in Israel. In 2001, the value of imported rough diamond totaled $3.37 billion. Nearly $1.03 billion of rough diamond was re-exported in 2001.
Nitrogen
Israel imports about 85,000 tons of nitrogen. Most ammonia imports are from the Ukraine. Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd., Haifa Chemicals, and Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. produce compound fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous.
Phosphate
Israel’s phosphate rock resources are mines by Rotem Amfert Negev Ltd. This company produces phosphoric acid, and fertilizers like monopotassium phosphate, single superphosphate, and triple superphosphate. Rotem exports nearly 30% of its phosphate rock.
Potash
Carnallite that contains potassium from the Dead Sea was mined as raw material for DSW’s potash plants. This company is the world’s fourth largest producer of potash. About 87% of the potash is exported to other countries. Brazil is the largest buyer of Israel’s potash, at 26% of the total exports.
Silica Sand
Negev Industrial Minerals, which is located in Hatira, mines and screened high-purity silica sand, which is used in ceramics, construction, die casting, and flat and container glass industries.
Sulfur
Israel’s production of sulfur averages to nearly 33,000 tons per year. Sulfur is produced in Ashdod and Haifa, in plants operated by Oil Refineries Ltd. Most of Israel’s demand for sulfur is met by importing it. About 68% of Israel’s sulfuric acid is used in producing fertilizer.
Mineral Fuels
Coal
Israel has no coal reserves, and is dependent on imports of coal and petroleum for most of its energy needs.
Natural Gas
Israel’s natural gas reserves cover 46 billion cubic meters. Isramco Inc., and Middle East Energy look for offshore natural gas reserves, as well as process natural gas that is found in the country. 89 kilometers of pipeline for natural gas is found across the country
Petroleum
Israel does not have many petroleum reserves. Most of the demand for petroleum is met through imports. Oil Refineries Ltd. operates in Haifa and Ashdod, where they refine petroleum. There are 290 kilometers of pipelines for petroleum.
Energy
Coal-operated power plants create nearly 71% of Israel’s electricity. Diesel-operated power plants create 24% of the total energy, and natural gas run plants account for 5%. The largest powerplants are located at Orot Rabin.
Israel has no coal reserves, and is dependent on imports of coal and petroleum for most of its energy needs.
Natural Gas
Israel’s natural gas reserves cover 46 billion cubic meters. Isramco Inc., and Middle East Energy look for offshore natural gas reserves, as well as process natural gas that is found in the country. 89 kilometers of pipeline for natural gas is found across the country
Petroleum
Israel does not have many petroleum reserves. Most of the demand for petroleum is met through imports. Oil Refineries Ltd. operates in Haifa and Ashdod, where they refine petroleum. There are 290 kilometers of pipelines for petroleum.
Energy
Coal-operated power plants create nearly 71% of Israel’s electricity. Diesel-operated power plants create 24% of the total energy, and natural gas run plants account for 5%. The largest powerplants are located at Orot Rabin.
Current Events
Israel Protests Kassam Rocket Fire
Palestine has been violating the November 25 cease-fire between Israel and Palestine. Since the cease-fire went into effect, 53 Kassam rockets were fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, only a month after the cease-fire. Israel is angry with the continued firing of rockets because they signed a cease-fire, and they have made friendly gestures to Palestinian Authority. The United Nations says that no country should tolerate the firing of rockets, and Israel has the right to defend itself. Even though they can retaliate, Israel has refrained from doing so.
Israel’s New Policy towards the Palestinian Government
On March 20, 2007, the Israeli government passed a new policy regarding the Palestinian government. There are six new policies that shall take effect immediately.
1. If the new Palestinian government doesn’t accept the principles of the international community, Israel will not work with the Palestinian government or any of the Palestinian ministers. The principles of this policy are: the recognition of Israel’s right to exist, the elimination of terror, and the acceptance of the agreements between the two countries.
2. Israel will still work with Mahomoud Abbas, the president of Palestine, so they can advance on the issues of security and the quality of living.
3. The Palestinian government’s platform, which currently includes the use of terror as a legitimate right, will prohibit terrorist organizations.
4. Israel will continue to demand the Chairman of Palestinian Authority to release an abducted soldier, to stop Kassam missile attacks, and to get rid of the terrorist organizations.
5. Israel expects the international community to stay with the policy that has been in effect for the past year that isolates the Palestinian government, until they stop doing terror-related things.
6. Israel will not change its position. They want to make peace with the Palestinians with regards to the possession of territory.
Palestine has been violating the November 25 cease-fire between Israel and Palestine. Since the cease-fire went into effect, 53 Kassam rockets were fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, only a month after the cease-fire. Israel is angry with the continued firing of rockets because they signed a cease-fire, and they have made friendly gestures to Palestinian Authority. The United Nations says that no country should tolerate the firing of rockets, and Israel has the right to defend itself. Even though they can retaliate, Israel has refrained from doing so.
Israel’s New Policy towards the Palestinian Government
On March 20, 2007, the Israeli government passed a new policy regarding the Palestinian government. There are six new policies that shall take effect immediately.
1. If the new Palestinian government doesn’t accept the principles of the international community, Israel will not work with the Palestinian government or any of the Palestinian ministers. The principles of this policy are: the recognition of Israel’s right to exist, the elimination of terror, and the acceptance of the agreements between the two countries.
2. Israel will still work with Mahomoud Abbas, the president of Palestine, so they can advance on the issues of security and the quality of living.
3. The Palestinian government’s platform, which currently includes the use of terror as a legitimate right, will prohibit terrorist organizations.
4. Israel will continue to demand the Chairman of Palestinian Authority to release an abducted soldier, to stop Kassam missile attacks, and to get rid of the terrorist organizations.
5. Israel expects the international community to stay with the policy that has been in effect for the past year that isolates the Palestinian government, until they stop doing terror-related things.
6. Israel will not change its position. They want to make peace with the Palestinians with regards to the possession of territory.
Bibliography
1.
http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de//iffn/country/il/il_3.htm
2.
http://encarta.msn.com/text_761575008___2/Israel.html
3.
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/facts%20about%20israel/land/israel-s%20chronic%20water%20problem
4.
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/2001/ismyb01.pdf
5.
http://www.israelemb.org/articles/2006/december/2006122600.htm
6.
http://www.israelemb.org/articles/2007/march/2007032000.htm
http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de//iffn/country/il/il_3.htm
2.
http://encarta.msn.com/text_761575008___2/Israel.html
3.
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/facts%20about%20israel/land/israel-s%20chronic%20water%20problem
4.
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/2001/ismyb01.pdf
5.
http://www.israelemb.org/articles/2006/december/2006122600.htm
6.
http://www.israelemb.org/articles/2007/march/2007032000.htm
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