Despite the war in Gaza, can Israel’s tech genius save the planet? Its climate change envoy says yes

Technology

Despite the ongoing war, more than 100 Israelis will head to Baku, Azerbaijan this month.
They will officially represent Israel at COP29 – the United Nations’ annual climate summit.
COP, short for the Conference of the Parties, is the key meeting for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which gathers nations, experts and activists to tackle global climate issues.
Israel will again set up a national pavilion, as it did at COP28 in Dubai and COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh. This year, the pavilion will spotlight climate technologies, according to Gideon Behar, Israel’s ambassador and special envoy for climate change and sustainability at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We think our biggest contribution to the climate crisis is via innovative ideas and solutions,” Behar told the JC. “We will concentrate on displaying these technologies.”
The Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) has selected 20 disruptive climate startups to support this. These companies are active in areas such as energy, water, agriculture, sustainable manufacturing, construction, food tech, transportation, waste management and carbon capture.
Among them is Marine Edge, which develops regenerative technology to optimise fuel efficiency for cargo ships, cutting emissions. CI Sensing, an emissions monitoring company, has technology for early detection and accurate quantification of emissions. Another standout is Salicrop, an agritech company whose non-GMO seed enhancements help crops survive drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures.
Behar noted that Israel’s pavilion will host dozens of events where the delegation can share ideas to help combat the climate crisis and strengthen regional and international cooperation.
Azerbaijan’s Mukhtar Babayev is the president of COP29 and Behar highlighted the close relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan, calling it a “friendly country”. Israel views this as a valuable opportunity. This year, Azerbaijan drafted nine COP29 declarations and pledges, with Israel signing on to nearly all of them.
“Our aim in Azerbaijan is to increase our regional and international cooperation on climate change,” Behar said. “We think Israel has a lot to offer the world, but only through collaboration and cooperation can we overcome the challenges of climate change.”
COP29 arrives as Israel marks over a year of regional conflict and reflects on last year’s climate goals, which shifted drastically after the October 7 Hamas attack. Israel had big plans for COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. Initially, the country prepared a delegation of 1,000 people, including seven or eight ministers, officials from multiple ministries, academics, investors, more than 100 companies (including 30 startups) and environmental groups. However, in the end, only 28 representatives from the Environmental Protection, Energy, and Economy Ministries attended. President Herzog joined for two days but did not deliver official remarks, focusing instead on meetings to help gain the release of the hostages held by Hamas. Israel’s plans for business representation also shrank. The IIA, set to send 30 companies, managed only four – all from the Gaza periphery. Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman promised to pass a climate law before COP28.
While the bill reached the Ministerial Committee on Legislation before the event, it was delayed in the Knesset until April 2024.
It passed a first reading in the Knesset, but there have only been a few environmental committee sessions since, and it’s unclear if the law will pass before COP29 in Azerbaijan.
Israel’s climate goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 27 per cent before 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. By 2025 the country aims to generate 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources and end coal use by 2026. Additional targets are to reduce emissions from new cars by 95 per cent and recycle 54 per cent of municipal solid waste by 2030.
But Israel has struggled to make progress. A 2023 report from the Environmental Protection Ministry found that Israel is on track to reduce emissions by just 12 per cent by 2030 compared to 2015. However, in September, the Knesset approved a carbon tax order, which will take effect in 2025. Behar downplayed concerns that Israel might facea backlash at COP29 over the Gaza war despite reports that the conflict will be a central topic at the event.
Even though the UAE banned anti-Israel protests at COP28, several countries used the platform to accuse Israel of worsening the climate crisis through its actions in Gaza. Many, mainly Arab nations, linked the climate crisis with what they described as a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, creating a distraction from the summit’s focus on addressing the shared threat of climate change.
Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Climate, and Communications, Eamon Ryan, who will co-lead climate adaptation negotiations at COP29, has already stated he plans to confront Israel about the war. He argued in an interview with a local paper that carbon emissions from military operations should be factored in to reflect the true environmental cost of conflict. His colleague, Social Democrats climate spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore, criticised Israel’s participation in COP29 as “hypocritical”. She claimed in an interview that “the war in Gaza in two months emitted the same amount of emissions as 20 developing countries” and added that “rebuilding Gaza will use emissions equivalent to 135 developing countries”.
Behar said he prefers to focus on what Israel brings to the table. According to the Foreign Ministry, Israel’s climate innovation centres on both mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate.
The country is home to approximately 1,300 companies and startups in the climate field, with dozens more added each year. Additionally, nearly 150 civil society organisations are active in environmental and climate efforts. Israel holds world records in water management. It treats and reuses 85 per cent of its wastewater in agriculture and industry, compared to a global average of 30 per cent.
Only 7 per cent of water is lost to leaks in Israel’s supply system, far below the global average. Its desalination plants are among the most advanced in the world.
Israel is also a global leader in alternative protein development, second only to the United States, according to the Foreign Ministry.
This includes innovations in plant-based proteins, cultured meat, and fermentation-produced proteins. “Israel has a unique position in the world,” Behar told the JC.
“We are a small country in the desert, in the Middle East, with very few resources.
“We have developed so many technologies for our survival that can now be applied elsewhere.”
Israel is already collaborating with the United Kingdom on climate initiatives.
This work includes a formal research partnership between the Technion and Imperial College London and a project between Tel Aviv and Bristol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in urban settings.
Behar sees climate consciousness as deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, with customs such as shmita – letting the land rest every seven years – and Shabbat, a day without labour on the land.
“I think there is a message that the Jewish people can bring to the world during these challenging times of climate change and environmental degradation – of tikkun olam, repairing the climate,” Behar said.
“I believe it is our destiny and responsibility to protect creation and repair the damage we’ve done.
“The Jewish people have a special calling, and by working together, Israel and Jewish communities worldwide can truly contribute to a better world.”

Canada Orders Dissolution Of TikTok’s Business In The Country But Won’t Block App

Business News

LOADINGERROR LOADINGTORONTO (AP) — Canada announced Wednesday it won’t block access to the popular video-sharing app TikTok but is ordering the dissolution of its Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind it.Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said it is meant to address risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.Advertisement

“The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content. The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice,” Champagne said.Champagne said it is important for Canadians to adopt good cybersecurity practices, including protecting their personal information.He said the dissolution order was made in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may harm Canada’s national security. He said the decision was based on information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners.A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of local jobs.Advertisement

“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said. “The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”TikTok is wildly popular with young people, but its Chinese ownership has raised fears that Beijing could use it to collect data on Western users or push pro-China narratives and misinformation. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company that moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2020.TikTok faces intensifying scrutiny from Europe and America over security and data privacy. It comes as China and the West are locked in a wider tug of war over technology ranging from spy balloons to computer chips.Canada previously banned TikTok from all government-issued mobile devices. TikTok has two offices in Canada, one in Toronto and one in Vancouver.Michael Geist, Canada research chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, said in a blog post that “banning the company rather than the app may actually make matters worse since the risks associated with the app will remain but the ability to hold the company accountable will be weakened.”Advertisement

Canada’s move comes a day after the election in the United States of Donald Trump. In June, Trump joined TikTok, a platform he once tried to ban while in the White House. It has about 170 million users in the U.S.Trump tried to ban TikTok through an executive order that said “the spread in the United States of mobile applications developed and owned” by Chinese companies was a national security threat. The courts blocked the action after TikTok sued.Both the U.S. FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have warned that ByteDance could share user data such as browsing history, location and biometric identifiers with China’s government. TikTok said it has never done that and would not, if asked.We Need Your SupportOther news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone.Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can’t do it without you.Can’t afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.You’ve supported HuffPost before, and we’ll be honest — we could use your help again. We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can’t do it without you.Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all.You’ve supported HuffPost before, and we’ll be honest — we could use your help again. We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can’t do it without you.Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all.Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.Trump said earlier this year that he still believes TikTok posed a national security risk, but was opposed to banning it.U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation in April that would force ByteDance to sell the app to a U.S. company within a year or face a national ban. It’s not clear whether that law will survive a legal challenge filed by TikTok or that ByteDance would agree to sell.RelatedCanadaTikTok

Clemson football vs Virginia Tech: Our score prediction is in

Technology

CLEMSON — Clemson football looks to get back on track after its shocking upset home loss to Louisville last week.The No. 23 Tigers (6-2, 5-1 ACC) face Virginia Tech (5-4, 3-2) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Lane Stadium. Clemson must win this game to not only keep pace in the conference but to improve its chances at landing an at-large bid in the College Football Playoff.Here is what to know about the matchup:Can Cade Klubnik get Clemson explosive plays in passing game again?The Tigers had 10 big plays, which are characterized as passes for 15 yards or more or rushes for 10-plus-yards, against Louisville. Yet, only two were passing plays with one coming in the first quarter and the other in the fourth.Clemson entered the game having the fourth-highest-scoring offense in FBS with 41 points but was contained to 21. According to Pro Football Focus, Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik was 5-for-19 (26.3%) on 10 yards-plus passes against the Cardinals. Those are the most attempts Klubnik has taken this season on those throws and the lowest completion percentage he has had this year.The Tigers must figure out how to regain their explosive passing to complement their running game, which has been fantastic with running back Phil Mafah coming off a season-high 171 yards on 30 carries.What to know about Virginia Tech, QB Kyron Drones’ injury statusVirginia Tech’s losses have been to Vanderbilt, Rutgers, No. 4 Miami and Syracuse by one possession in each game.The Hokies are led by quarterback Kyron Drones, who missed last week’s game against Syracuse with an injury. Drones has 1,447 yards passing and 323 yards rushing for 16 total touchdowns. If he is out, fifth-year quarterback Collin Schlee will take his place.Hokies running back Bhayshul Tuten is second in the ACC in rushing yards (951) and touchdowns (12). Defensively, Virginia Tech is led by defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who leads the nation in sacks with 12. The Hokies allow 22.3 points per game, the fourth fewest in the ACC, and 363.1 yards per game, eighth fewest in the conference.MORE:What Dabo Swinney said about Clemson roster, CFP rankings, Peter Woods injury for Virginia Tech gameClemson football rebounds often after losses under Dabo SwinneyClemson is 35-9 in games following a loss under Swinney. After its 34-3 loss to Georgia in Week 1, it bounced back to defeat Appalachian State 66-20.Clemson is also 8-2 all-time at Lane Stadium, and its .800 winning percentage is tied for the highest of any opponent that has played at least five games in the venue since it opened in 1965. This will also be Swinney’s first time facing Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry. Swinney is 49-8 when facing an opposing coach for the first time since 2011.Clemson’s history vs Virginia TechClemson is 23-12-1 against Virginia Tech. These teams first met in 1900, and the Tigers won 12-5. Clemson defeated the Hokies 45-10 in their last matchup in 2020.The Tigers have won six straight against Virginia Tech, dating back to 2011. The Hokies last defeated Clemson in 2007, winning 41-23.Clemson score prediction vs Virginia TechClemson 28, Virginia Tech 24: The Hokies pose an even greater rushing threat than Louisville if quarterback Kyron Drones plays. If he does, expect the Tigers to be in another tight contest with a team that is performing better than its record. In the end, Clemson will make enough plays to defeat Virginia Tech and escape with a road win.Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

Washington gives Oracle green light to buy back its debt in Russia

Technology

The computer technology company Oracle has reportedly received U.S. regulators’ authorization to sidestep American sanctions and buy back its debt from Russian creditors. According to a letter sent by the corporation to creditors, Oracle is prepared to buy debt claims against its Russian subsidiary (which was declared bankrupt in August 2023) for no more than 60 percent of their nominal value. Oracle’s creditors in Russia included Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, and MegaFon. According to RBC, the company’s total debt exceeded 1.4 billion rubles ($14.3 million). A condition of Oracle’s debt repurchase offer is that creditors must forgo any new claims against the company.Oracle’s letter to creditors also states, “in consideration of the position of foreign consultants,” that the company currently considers a bankruptcy settlement agreement, among other options, to be “impracticable” for regulatory reasons.Oracle suspended its operations in Russia in March 2022, following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Africa Tourism Partners appoints Claire Mugabi of AFRIREPS in Uganda as East African representative

Travel

Africa Tourism Partners appoints Claire Mugabi as the representative for East Africa, enhancing strategic tourism initiatives and market development across the continent starting November 4, 2024.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Africa Tourism Partners (ATP)  announce the appointment of Claire Mugabi (MCIM, MBA) as the representative for East Africa with effect from Monday, 04 November 2024.
Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) is a UN Tourism Affiliate Member and a recipient of the Distinction Award. As a Pan-African firm specialising in tourism development and strategic destination marketing, ATP focuses on strategy formulation, master planning, and strategic marketing in the travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sectors. The firm utilises its extensive expertise, strong partnerships, and global networks to implement impactful programmes that are uniquely designed and yield measurable outcomes.
Claire Mugabi is the current CEO of AFRIREPS, based in Uganda and will be joining Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) as East African representative. She has over fifteen years in the marketing and communications industry which makes her a good fit for the position.
Kwakye Donkor, the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tourism Partners, commended Claire Mugabi on her appointment, expressing confidence in her ability to significantly contribute to ATP’s initiatives aimed at enhancing intra-Africa travel market access and tourism development across the continent and in key source markets within Africa. “Given Claire’s expertise and experience, we are certain she will add considerable value to our efforts in East Africa as well as throughout the continent and beyond. Her contributions will enhance all areas of our work, including tourism strategy formulation and implementation, destination marketing and brand management, MICE strategy and project management, investment promotion and facilitation, as well as executive coaching and capacity building” said Kwakye Donkor.
Speaking about her appointment, Claire Mugabi pledged her commitment to transform the region through impactful initiatives. “I am excited to join Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) as the representative and focal person for East Africa. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to contribute to ATP’s mission of redefining African tourism. I look forward to collaborating with the team to implement strategies that elevate Africa’s global tourism profile, foster sustainable growth, and ensure environmental stewardship across the region. Together, we will drive impactful initiatives that enhance Africa’s position as a premier tourism destination”, said Claire Mugabi.
East African countries include Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. East Africa has been thecontinent’s fastest-growing region in recent years. It is home to several of the fastest-growing economies, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.