INTRODUCTION
1. GENERAL
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present generation,
without harming the ability to fulfil the needs of future generations.
Sustainable development is long-lasting, because it does not damage the resource base it
relies upon. Resources are used at a pace that allows for natural processes to replenish the
resources that have been used, and for nurturing of natural systems that provide humans –
directly or indirectly – with most of these resources. Therefore, sustainable development
planning requires the management of resources in a way that prevents irreversible damage
to the environment.
Planning of a sustainable development policy aims to ensure the achievement of maximal
economic growth and inter-generational and intra-generational equality, while taking into
account environmental limitations. In that process, it is necessary to take a combination of
environmental, social, and economic aspects into account.
In 2003, the Israeli government approved Resolution No. 246, entitled "A Strategic Program
for Sustainable Development in Israel". According to this resolution, "Israeli government
policy will be based on principles of practicing sustainable development, integrating dynamic
economy, intelligent usage of natural resources, protection of ecosystems, and provision of
equal opportunity for all. This, in order to meet the needs of the current generation as well as
the needs of the generations to come". The government resolution stresses the need for the
measurement of trends on issues related to achieving the objectives of the strategy.
New approaches have been developed based on principles of sustainable development such
as the Green Growth Strategy, which has been promoted by the OECD.1 Green growth
refers to the achievement of maximal development and economic growth, while at the same
time avoiding the creation of unsustainable pressures on the quality and quantity of natural
resources. Green growth also aims to harness the economic benefits that can derive from
the transition to a green economy and green industries. Based on these principles, the
OECD has formulated recommendations regarding indicators that can accompany
advancements toward achieving the objectives of green growth. Following these
recommendations, in 2011 the Israeli government approved Resolution No. 3678, which
called for a "National Green Growth Program". The program aims to promote the principles
1
Towards Green Growth: Monitoring Progress
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/33/48224574.pdf
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–
OECD
Indicators.
Retrieved
from
of green growth in the Israeli economy, while developing appropriate indicators for monitoring
its implementation.
Sustainable development indicators
Sustainable development indicators and green growth indicators point to trends, and show
the extent to which these trends are consistent with efforts to advance sustainable
development and guarantee quality of life for this generation and generations to come. These
indicators can be used to plan economic, social, and environmental policy, and provide the
basis for a perspective that integrates these areas. In addition, they can provide early
warnings, which help prevent irreversible damage in the future. The indicators are derived
from principles of sustainable development, green growth, and quality of life. There is a need
for indicators that describe broad trends but are sensitive enough to detect small-scale
changes.
The indicators can involve various levels of geographic analysis: global, regional (e.g.,
Mediterranean Basin countries), national, or local. Appropriate indicators are chosen for each
level of analysis.
Another way to distinguish the various sustainable development indicators is according to the
characteristics of the processes and trends they examine:

Indicators representing human activity, processes, and activity patterns, which act as a
driving force that influences issues relating to sustainable development;

Indicators describing the current state of the environment, society, or the economy in
relation to sustainable development;

Indicators describing a policy-related or other type of response to a phenomenon.
A list has been devised, in accordance with UN2 and OECD3 recommendations, of the
indicators that reflect the aspects and various characteristics required of sustainable
development indicators. The UN recommendations emphasize the importance of
representing the three bases of sustainable development (environment, society, and the
economy), as well as the importance of choosing indicators which can be combined in a way
that will provide users with a broad and inclusive portrayal of various development issues.
Each indicator includes recommendations for additional indicators that can be used to
examine other topics of interest.
2
Indicators of Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies (3rd ed.). Retrieved from
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/natlinfo/indicators/guidelines.pdf
3
Towards Green Growth: Monitoring Progress
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/33/48224574.pdf
(8)
–
OECD
Indicators.
Retrieved
from
Indicators of sustainable development in Israel
The indicators presented in this publication represent processes and trends in Israel that are
related to environmental, social and economic issues, and are based on the accepted
principles and characteristics of sustainable development indicators throughout the world.
The main considerations that guided the choice of these indicators were their relevance to
the characteristics and unique problems of Israel, and the opportunity they provided for
examining Israel's situation in comparison with other countries throughout the world. The
choice of indicators was therefore based on international definitions and directives, taking
into account Israel’s unique conditions, and the adjustment of some of the indicators to these
conditions. The indicators were chosen from existing lists developed by international
organizations (UN – 96 indicators,4 OECD – 61 indicators,5,6 Plan Blue – 130 indicators7),
and from lists that were adjusted for Israel by local experts in various fields.8
The indicators are based on data from administrative sources, as well as on data from
surveys conducted by the CBS as part of its ongoing statistical activities.
This publication presents 26 indicators. Each indicator includes current data, a short
description of the indicator, the characteristics of the process or of the situation that it
describes, an explanation of the relevance of the indicator to sustainable development, a
description of the trends in Israel, and an international comparison (depending on the
availability of data).
Because the international comparisons of indicators were obtained from a variety of
international sources, a different combination of countries appears in each comparison.
However, all of the comparisons facilitate examination of the situation in Israel compared with
the situation in Western developed countries.
The trends presented for each indicator refer to the years for which reliable information was
available.
4
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/natlinfo/indicators/methodology_sheets.pdf
5
http://www.oecd.org/document/49/0,3343,en_2649_34283_39011377_1_1_1_37425,00.html
6
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/20/40/37551205.pdf
7
www.planbleu.org/publications/Report2000.pdf
8
Indicators of Sustainable Development in Israel [in Hebrew].
http://www.jiis.org.il/?cmd=publication.157&page=4&act=read&id=491
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Retrieved
from
2. MAIN FINDINGS
Environment
Groundwater level and salinity in the Mountain and Coastal Aquifers
The salinity of the Coastal Aquifer has been increasing continuously. In 2011, the average
concentration of chloride in drills of the Coastal Aquifer reached 223 mg/L chloride. Over the
past 40 years, the concentration of chloride in the Coastal Aquifer has increased at a rate of
approximately 2.3 mg/L of chloride per year.
Population connected to an urban wastewater treatment system
In 2011, over 96% of the population in Israel was connected to an urban wastewater
treatment system. The percentage of the population connected to at least secondary
treatment increased from 73% in 2000 to 89% in 2011. The percentage of the population
connected to a tertiary treatment increased from 33% in 2000 to 49% in 2011.
Quality of sea water at the beaches
In 2011, exceedences in enterococci bacteria were recorded at 56% of the beaches on the
Mediterranean. In contrast, exceedences were recorded at 83% of the beaches in 2010.
Since 2001, the percentage of exceedences in the Red Sea has been less than 2%. In 2011,
the percentage of exceedences in the Sea of Galilee was 1%.
Population density in the Mediterranean coastal region
In 2011, the overall population density in the coastal strip localities (2.5% of the area of
Israel) was 10 times larger than that of the entire area of the State of Israel. In the urban
coastal localities, the population density grew by 46% between 1983 and 2011.
Emissions of greenhouse gases
In 2010, greenhouse gas emissions totalled 76.4 million tons (as CO2 equivalent). These
included approximately 1.4 million tons of fluorinated gases. Emissions of carbon dioxide
(CO2, the main greenhouse gas) in Israel increased from 61 million tons in 2000 to 65.5
million tons in 2010. Greenhouse gas emissions per capita (excluding the fluorinated gases)
decreased from 11.5 million tons per capita in 2000 to 9.85 tons in 2010. Per capita
emissions amounted to 10.7 tons in 2008, when calculations of fluorinated gas emissions
began, and decreased to 10 tons per capita in 2010.
Emissions of nitrogen oxides from fuel combustion
Emissions of nitrogen oxides decreased by approximately 18%, from 215,000 tons in 2000 to
177,000 tons in 2011. However, the downward trend in emissions of nitrogen oxides did not
continue in 2010 and 2011, due to an increase in emissions from stationary sources.
Between 2000 and 2011, emissions from these sources increased by more than 6%, from
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128,000 tons to 136,000 tons. The substantial increase in emissions between 2010 and 2011
(131,000 tons) can apparently be attributed to the accelerated use of diesel oil and residual
fuel oil following the shortage of natural gas in the economy.
Emissions of sulfur dioxide from fuel combustion
Following the shortage of natural gas, emissions of sulfur dioxide emissions increased from
129,000 tons in 2010 to 138,000 tons in 2011. However, since 2000 there has been a 50%
decrease in sulfur dioxide emissions, from 276,000 tons in 2000 to 138,000 tons in 2011.
This decrease was largely due to a transition from low-sulfur fuels to natural gas, as well as
to technological improvements at power plants and tighter enforcement of air pollution
regulations.
Intensity of emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides
In 2011, the ratio of emissions of nitrogen oxides to gross domestic product (GDP) was 0.23
kg. per NIS 1,000, compared to 0.4 kg. per NIS 1,000 in 2000. The ratio of emissions of
sulfur oxides and gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009 was 0.18 kg. per NIS 1,000,
compared to 0.51 kg. per NIS 1,000 in 2000. The data indicate that the absolute decline in
the quantity of emissions of air pollutants was accompanied by decoupling between the
increase in GDP (an increase of 38% since 2000) and air pollutant emissions.
Emissions of air pollutants from motor vehicles
In 2011, the decline in emissions of air pollutants from motor vehicles continued. Between
2000 and 2011, emissions of all air pollutants from motor vehicles decreased: CO decreased
by 55%, NOx by 52%, HC by 46%, and SPM by 61%. These decreases, which were
accompanied by a 39% increase in kilometers travelled during the same period, reflect the
technological improvements in new vehicles, whose proportion in the overall inventory of
vehicles in Israel increased.
Forest areas
Between 1960 and 2011, the planted forest area in Israel increased from 0.3 million dunams
to 1.06 million dunams, the largest planted forest area since the establishment of the State of
Israel. Despite the increase in the planted forest area, the total forest area in Israel has
remained relatively small. In 2009, the total forest area constituted about 7% of the area of
Israel. The percentage of forest out of the total area of the country is smaller than in all of the
other OECD countries, except for Iceland (0.3% of the area of the country). In 2010 and
2011, 60,000 dunams of forest were burned in 1,439 fires.
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Organic agriculture area
In 2011, the area used for organic agriculture in Israel decreased to approximately 63,000
dunams, as compared with 78,000 dunams in 2010. Despite the decline in the area used for
organic agriculture, the amount of organic produce increased from 74,000 tons in 2010 to
77,000 tons in 2011. This increase derives mainly from the growth in production of
vegetables and field crops, from 68,000 tons in 2010 to 71,000 tons in 2011.
Society
Rate of motorization
The rate of motorization of private cars in Israel increased from 6.1 cars per 1,000 residents
in 1951 to 276 cars per 1,000 residents in 2011. Since 1951, the rate of motorization in Israel
increased at an average annual rate of 7%.
Rate of expenditure on food by deciles of income
In 2011, the expenditure on food per household amounted to 43% of the total household
expenditure in the bottom decile, and 10% in the top decile. In 2011, the average net money
income after food expenditure in the bottom decile (average 4.4 persons per household) was
NIS 2,388, compared with NIS 26,704 in the top decile (average 2.2 persons per household).
Life expectancy at birth
The life expectancy of women in Israel increased from 73.4 years in 1970 to 83.6 years in
2011. The life expectancy of men increased from 70.1 years to 80.0 years during the same
period.
Infant mortality
The infant mortality rate in Israel decreased from 22.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1975
(2,192 cases) to 3.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2010 (611 cases). The infant mortality
rate in Israel has been stable since 2006, ranging from 3.7 to 4 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Population growth rate
In 2011, the annual population growth rate was 1.8%, and had been stable since 2003. The
migration balance out of the total population growth was 12% in 2011. The rate of population
growth in Israel is higher than that of most OECD countries.
Percentage of unemployed persons out of the civilian labour force
The percentage of unemployed persons in Israel decreased from 6.7% in 2010 to 5.6% in
2011. In 2011, the percentage of unemployed men was the same as that of unemployed
women – 5.6%. Since 2009, these rates have remained equal for men and women.
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Number of women per 100 men in the civilian labour force
The ratio of women to men in the civilian labour force increased from 32.5 women per 100
men in 1955 to 88.6 women per 100 men in 2011. In 2011, the ratio of men to women in the
labour force among the Jewish population was 99.7 women to 100 men. In contrast, the ratio
of women to men in the civilian force among the Arab population was 36.6 women to 100
men.
Economy
Water abstraction per capita
During the period 1997–2010, water abstraction per capita decreased by approximately 26%,
from 356 cubic meters to 265 cubic meters. Since 2007, domestic and public consumption of
water have declined, from 767 cubic meters in 2007 to 689 cubic meters in 2010. Water
abstraction per capita in Israel is lower than in developed Western countries. In 2010, the
average water abstraction in OECD countries (850 cubic meters) was three times higher than
in Israel.
Household waste per capita
The amount of waste produced in Israel increased from 3.94 million tons in 1996 to 4.76
million tons in 2011. The amount of waste per capita per day decreased from 1.91 kg. in
1996 to 1.55 kg. in 2001. After that there was an increase, and by 2009, the amount of waste
per capita per day reached 1.71 kg. In 2011, the amount of waste per capita in the top socioeconomic cluster (10) reached the highest level since 2000 (4.4 kg. per capita per day,
compared with 3.8 kg. per capita per day in 2010). This is 3.8 times higher than the amount
recorded in the bottom socio-economic cluster (1).
Energy consumption per capita
In 2011, energy consumption per capita was 2.9 t.o.e. (tons of oil equivalent). In 2010,
energy consumption per capita in Israel was relatively low in comparison with the average in
OECD countries (4.4 t.o.e), and was similar to the average in Mediterranean European
countries such as Italy and Spain.
Energy intensity
In 2011, the ratio of primary energy supply to the GDP in Israel was 0.029 t.o.e. per NIS
1,000 of the GDP in 2005 prices. From 2003 to 2011, the energy intensity decreased by
21%, from 0.037 t.o.e. per NIS 1,000 of the GDP to 0.029 t.o.e. per NIS 1,000 of the GDP.
This decline reflects the process of decoupling that took place between the increase in the
GDP and energy supply.
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Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita
Since 1995, the rate of change in GDP per capita has averaged 1.7% per year. In 2011, the
GDP per capita in Israel was NIS 100,095 at 2005 prices, an increase of 2.7% compared
with 2010.
Ratio of external debt to GDP
Since 2006, there has been a downward trend in the ratio of external debt to the GDP. In
2011, the ratio of external debt in Israel amounted to 42.6% of the GDP.
National expenditure on civilian research and development (R&D) as a percentage of
GDP
The national expenditure on civilian R&D as a percentage of GDP increased from 2.6% in
1995 to 4.4% in 2011. A large portion of R&D is carried out in multi-national enterprises, and
is designated for use abroad. The expenditure on R&D by centers for development in
multinational enterprises amounted to about 40% of the national expenditure on civilian R&D
in 2010. That year, the expenditure on civilian R&D as a percentage of GDP in Israel was the
highest among all OECD countries, and higher than the goal set by the European Union for
that year – 3%.
Private disposable income of households
Between 1995 and 2011, the adjusted private disposable income per capita in households
(at constant prices) increased by 33%. In 2010, the adjusted private disposable income per
capita in Israel was NIS 90,495 (at current prices).
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3. DEFINITIONS, SOURCES AND METHODS
GROUNDWATER LEVEL AND SALINITY IN THE MOUNTAIN AND COASTAL AQUIFERS
Definitions
Groundwater salinity: The salinity value (concentration of chlorides in milligrams per litre of
water) is the average of measurements taken several times a year at a variety of locations.
Groundwater level: The height of the water level in meters above sea level, at selected
drillings.
Aquifer: A subsurface layer or layers of rock or other geological strata of sufficient porosity
and permeability to allow either a significant flow of groundwater or the abstraction of
significant quantities of groundwater. The main source of water for an aquifer is rainfall and
surplus irrigation. In Israel, there are seven aquifers: The Coastal Aquifer, the Mountain
Aquifer (the Yarqon-Tanninim Aquifer), the Western Galilee Aquifer, the Carmel Aquifer, the
Sea of Galilee Aquifer, the Eastern Hill Aquifer, and the Negev and Arava Aquifers. The two
main aquifers are the Coastal Aquifer and the Mountain Aquifer.
The Mountain Aquifer (the Yarqon-Tanninim Aquifer): An aquifer bordered in the north by
the southern slopes of the Carmel Mountain and the Tanninim Stream, in the east by the
ridges of the Judea and Samaria Hills, in the south by the Be'er Sheva Valley and in the west
by the Mediterranean coast. The main flow of water at the Mountain Aquifer comes from the
springs of Rosh HaAyin and the springs of the Tanninim Stream.
The Coastal Aquifer: The aquifer spans from the southern foothills of the Carmel Mountains
in the north to the southern coastal plain in the south. In the east, the aquifer is bordered by
the central mountain ridge, and in the west by the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the main
source of water for the aquifers (penetration of water from rainfall and from surplus irrigation),
this aquifer is filled from artificial recharging of flood water and effluents.
Sources and Methods
The data are obtained from administrative files of the Water Authority, and are based on
Hydrological Service measurements.
POPULATION CONNECTED TO AN URBAN WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
Definitions
Raw wastewater: Water that has been contaminated due to household, industrial, or public
use, and is unsuitable for additional use without treatment and cleaning.
Domestic wastewater: Wastewater from residential facilities and services which originates
predominantly from the human metabolism and from household activities.
Urban wastewater: Domestic wastewater, or domestic wastewater mixed with wastewater
from industrial use, rainwater runoff, or both.
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System of urban wastewater collection: A system of pipes that collects and carries away
urban wastewater.
Treatment of wastewater: A process whereby wastewater is treated in order to make it
conform to environmental or other quality standards, for purposes of recycling or re-use.
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD): The quantity of dissolved oxygen required by
organisms for the aerobic decomposition of organic matter present in water. Intensive
oxygen consumption is the result of a high organic load and a large amount of nutrients in
water. BOD is a good indicator of the level of pollution in household wastewater.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD): The quantity of oxygen consumed by the organic matter
present in water. COD is a good indicator of the impact of the level of pollution in industrial
wastewater.
Total suspended solids (TSS): Particles of various sizes (1 millimicron and larger), which
derive from various sources (e.g., wastewater, industrial activity, soil erosion) and can cause
turbidity in water, cause harm to health, and damage pipe systems. The standard tests for
this measure are performed at a temperature of 105°C.
Primary treatment: Treatment of wastewater by a physical and/or chemical process that
involves settling of suspended solids, or by another process whereby the biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD) in wastewater is reduced by at least 20% and the total suspended solids
(TSS) in the wastewater are reduced by at least 50%.
Secondary treatment: Treatment of wastewater in a biological process whereby the
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is reduced by at least 70% and the chemical oxygen
demand (COD) by at least 75%.
Tertiary treatment: Treatment in addition to secondary treatment that is intended to reduce
the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, or any other pollutant that affects the water quality.
The qualities achieved from tertiary treatment are as follows:

A reduction in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of at least 95%

A reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) of at least 85%

A reduction in nitrogen of at least 70%

A reduction in phosphorous of at least 80%
Sources and methods
The data are obtained from the Water and Rivers Division in the Ministry of Environmental
Protection.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
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QUALITY OF SEA WATER AT THE BEACHES
Definitions
Percentage of exceedences in microbial analyses of sea water at beaches:
Exceedences at the Sea of Galilee relate to tests in which more than 400 coliform bacteria
(faecal coliforms) were found in 100 ml. of water.
Exceedences in the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea relate to tests in which more than 105
enterococci faecal bacteria were found in 100 ml. of water.
Sources and methods
The data are based on tests conducted on authorized beaches, carried out during the
bathing seasons by the Department of Laboratories at the Ministry of Health.
POPULATION DENSITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN COASTAL REGION
Definitions
Population density: The number of persons per sq. km. of land.
Population density in a locality: The total population of a locality, divided by the area of the
locality.
The Mediterranean coastal area: In accordance with international definitions of a coastal
area, the localities included in the indicator are localities on the coastline of the
Mediterranean within Israel's boundaries: all the localities bordering on the coast that are
included within local authorities, regional authorities, or municipalities whose areas of
jurisdiction border on the coastline.
Urban locality: A locality with a population of 2,000 residents or more.
Sources and methods
The calculation was performed according to population data at the CBS and according to
jurisdiction area data at the authorities, based on the geographic layer of the areas of
jurisdiction that appear in the records of the Ministry of the Interior.
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EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE GASES
Definitions
Greenhouse gases: Gases in the atmosphere that are penetrable by ultra-violet solar
radiation. These gases absorb the infra-red radiation that is emitted by the earth due to solar
radiation. This infra-red radiation becomes heat, which in turn causes atmospheric warming.
Carbon dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas originating from the combustion of material that
contains carbon.
Methane (CH4): A colourless, non-poisonous, and flammable hydrocarbon greenhouse gas
created by anaerobic decomposition of organic compounds. Methane is produced from
animal digestion processes, mainly from chewing cud, and from anaerobic decomposition of
animal secretions. Methane is also produced from other sources such as organic waste and
plant decomposition.
Nitrous oxide (N2O): A greenhouse gas produced from fuel combustion and microbial
processes in soil and on water, which are caused by the use of fertilizers that contain
nitrogen.
Fluorinated greenhouse gases:
HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons): A group of organic gas compounds composed of carbon,
hydrogen, and fluorine atoms. These compounds are emitted mainly from cooling and
air-conditioning systems.
PFCs (Perfluorocarbons): A group of organic gas compounds composed of carbon and
fluorine atoms. These compounds are emitted mainly from the electronics industry and
semi-conductors.
SF6 (Sulfur hexafluoride): A non-organic gas compound, emitted mainly by production
processes and magnesium casting, as well as by its use as an isolating medium in
switchgear and circuit breaker systems.
Sources and methods
Emissions data for 1996 and 2000 were obtained from the Ministry of Environmental
Protection, Industries Cluster, Air Quality Division. Data for 1996 were taken from the
publication Inventory of Emissions and Removals of Greenhouse Gases in Israel.9 Data for
2000 were taken from the publication Greenhouse Gases in Israel: Inventory Update of
Emissions and Removals for 2000.10 Emissions data for 2003–2008 were calculated by the
CBS according to directives of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), based
on data from a variety of sources.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
9
10
Koch, J., Dayan, U., & Mey-Marom, A. (2001). Inventory of Emissions and Removals of
Greenhouse Gases in Israel [in Hebrew]. Jerusalem: Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Koch, J. & Shafat, S. (2002). Greenhouse Gases in Israel: Inventory Update of Emissions and
Removals for 2000 [in Hebrew]. Jerusalem: Ministry of Environmental Protection.
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EMISSIONS OF NITROGEN OXIDES FROM FUEL COMBUSTION
Definitions
Emission of air pollutants: The discharge of pollutants into the atmosphere from stationary
sources such as smokestacks, other vents, surface areas of commercial or industrial
facilities, and mobile sources, for example, motor vehicles, locomotives, and aircraft.
Fuel combustion: Fuel combustion occurs in energy industries (electricity generation and oil
refining), manufacturing and construction, transportation, and various economic sectors.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Acidic gases emitted primarily by power stations, manufacturing
plants, and motor vehicles (mainly from diesel engines). Nitrogen oxides are greenhouse gas
precursors.
Kilometers travelled: The number of kilometers that a motor vehicle travelled during a given
period.
Sources and methods
Data on fuel consumption are based on Fuel and Gas Administration reports and on CBS
data.
Annual data on kilometers travelled are obtained from the Kilometers Travelled Survey
conducted by the CBS.
The calculation of nitrogen oxides emitted from natural gas for electricity generation is
performed on the basis of measurements conducted by the Israel Electric Corporation.
Emission coefficients for stationary sources (manufacturing plants) are based on IPCC
(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) coefficients, according to fuel consumption.
Emissions from transportation sources were calculated on the basis of kilometers travelled.
To perform this calculation, the average emission coefficients for nitrogen oxides on urban
and interurban routes were used, according to the motor vehicle's year of production.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
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EMISSIONS OF SULFUR DIOXIDE FROM FUEL COMBUSTION
Definitions
Emission of air pollutants: The discharge of pollutants into the atmosphere from stationary
sources such as smokestacks, other vents, surface areas of commercial or industrial
facilities, and mobile sources, for example, motor vehicles, locomotives, and aircraft.
Fuel combustion: Fuel combustion occurs in energy industries (electricity generation and oil
refining), manufacturing and construction, transportation, and various economic sectors.
Sulfur oxides (SOx): Gases derived from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and
kerosene. Most sulfur oxides are emitted by power plants, refineries, and industrial plants.
Sulfur oxides are greenhouse gas precursors.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2): A heavy, pungent, colourless gas formed primarily by the combustion
of fossil fuels. It is harmful to human beings, animals, and vegetation, and contributes to the
acidity in precipitation. Sulfur dioxide is a greenhouse gas precursor, but it also acts to cool
the earth.
Kilometers travelled: The number of kilometers that a motor vehicle travelled during a given
period.
Sources and methods
Data of fuel consumption are based on Fuel and Gas Administration reports and on CBS
data.
Data on percentages of sulfur in coal used for generating electricity are obtained from the
Israel Coal Company.
Annual data on kilometers travelled are obtained from the Kilometers Travelled Survey
conducted by the CBS.
The calculation of emissions of sulfur oxides from natural gas for electricity generation is
performed on the basis of measurements conducted by the Israel Electric Corporation.
Emission coefficients for stationary sources (industrial plants) were taken from the USEPA
(United States Environmental Protection Agency) and adjusted for 1997 local conditions.
These coefficients were obtained from the Air Quality Division (stationary sources) of the
Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Sulfur oxides emissions from electricity generation using coal are calculated based on
international emission coefficients, while taking into consideration the existing reduction
technologies and the concentration of sulfur in the imported coal.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
( 20 )
INTENSITY OF EMISSIONS OF NITROGEN OXIDES AND SULFUR OXIDES
See above definitions for the indicators "Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides from Fuel
Combustion" and "Emissions of Sulfur Dioxide from Fuel Combustion."
EMISSIONS OF AIR POLLUTANTS FROM MOTOR VEHICLES
Definitions
Emission of air pollutants: The discharge of pollutants into the atmosphere from stationary
sources such as smokestacks, other vents, surface areas of commercial or industrial
facilities, and mobile sources, for example, motor vehicles, locomotives, and aircraft.
Fuel combustion: Fuel combustion occurs in energy industries (electricity generation and oil
refining), manufacturing and construction, transportation, and various economic sectors.
Carbon monoxide (CO): A colourless, odourless, and poisonous gas produced by
incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Carbon monoxide combines with the haemoglobin in the
blood, reducing its oxygen carrying capacity, with harmful effects. Carbon monoxide is a
greenhouse gas precursor.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Acidic gases emitted primarily by power stations, manufacturing
plants, and motor vehicles (mainly from diesel engines). These gases are precursors of
greenhouse gases.
Hydrocarbons (HC): Compounds of hydrogen and carbon in various combinations that are
present in petroleum products and natural gas. Emissions originate mainly from motor
vehicles and refineries. Some hydrocarbons are major air pollutants, some may be
carcinogenic, and others contribute to photochemical smog.
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM): Finely divided solids or liquids that may be dispersed
through the air from combustion processes, industrial activities, or natural sources. The most
hazardous particles are those that are less than 10 microns in size, and that can penetrate
the respiratory system. They derive mainly from natural sources and include fractions of
small particles that are smaller than 2.5 microns (fine suspended particulate matter – PM2.5).
These particles are usually emitted by industries, transport, and home heating.
Kilometers travelled: The number of kilometers that a motor vehicle travelled during a given
period.
Sources and methods
Data on fuel consumption are based on Fuel and Gas Administration reports and on CBS
data.
Annual data on kilometers travelled are obtained from the Kilometers Travelled Survey
conducted by the CBS.
( 21 )
Emission coefficients of air pollutants from mobile sources (motor vehicles) were based on
studies conducted at the Technion: Evaluation of Pollutant Emission Factors from Motor
Vehicles in Israel11 and Evaluation of Pollutant Emission Factors from Diesel Vehicles in
Israel (Stage 1 – Busses).12 To date, these emission coefficients have been developed only
for private motor vehicles running on petrol and for busses. Emission factors for other types
of vehicles and other fuel types were based on data from the Netherlands, Britain, and the
USA (AP42). All of these data were obtained from the Air Quality Division (mobile sources) of
the Ministry of Environmental Protection and were adjusted for Israeli conditions.
Emissions of CO, NOx, HC, and SPM from motor vehicles were calculated on the basis of
kilometers travelled. To perform this calculation, the average emission coefficients of
pollutants on urban and interurban routes were used, according to the motor vehicle's year of
production.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
FOREST AREAS
Definitions
Forest: Land with at least 10% of its area covered in trees, and whose size is over 5 dunams
(according to the OECD).
Forest area: Planted forests under the care of the Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth
LeIsrael), as well as natural forests.
Sources and methods
The data are based on various administrative sources used by the CBS, and on data from
the Jewish National Fund.
International comparison data are based on FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) data.
11
12
Tartakovsky, L. et al. (1997). Evaluation of Pollutant Emission Factors from Motor Vehicles in
Israel [in Hebrew]. Haifa: Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Transportation Research
Institute.
Tartakovsky, L., Weinblat, M., Gutman, M., Aleinikov, Y., & Zvirin, Y. (2000). Evaluation of
Pollutant Emission Factors from Diesel Vehicles in Israel (Stage 1 – Busses) [in Hebrew]. Haifa:
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Transportation Research Institute.
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ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AREA
Definitions
Organic farming: A farming system that avoids as much as possible the use of artificial
fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.
Agricultural area: Area used for agricultural activity, including plantation areas as well as
areas for cultivating field crops, vegetables, flowers and garden plants, fisheries, and areas
for other agricultural uses. Also includes areas in which crops have been sown but not
reaped. Excludes natural pasture areas.
Organic agricultural area: Agricultural areas used for organic farming.
Sources and methods
The data are obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and are based on estimates from the
audit companies for Israeli organic exports.
In 2004, the data source changed; it is therefore impossible to compare later data with data
from previous years.
The data refer to areas that were used for organic farming and to the amounts of organic
produce intended for export, which, based on estimates, constitute approximately 90% of the
organic produce in Israel.
International comparison data are based on EUROSTAT publications.
RATE OF MOTORIZATION
Definitions
Private car: A road motor vehicle that is not a public service vehicle or a commercial vehicle
or a two-wheeled vehicle, and that is designed to transport up to 9 passengers (including the
driver).
Passenger car: A road motor vehicle intended to carry passengers and designed to seat up
to 9 persons (including the driver). Includes private cars, taxis, and minibusses, and excludes
mopeds and motorcycles.
Rate of motorization: Number of motor vehicles per 1,000 residents (permanent residents
at the end of the year).
Sources and methods
The calculations are based on the vehicle file of the Ministry of Transportation’s Licensing
Division, and on annual population data.
International comparison data are based on IRF (International Road Federation) data.
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RATE OF EXPENDITURE ON FOOD BY DECILES OF INCOME
Definitions
Household: A group of people living together in a dwelling on a permanent basis, most days
of the week, and who have a joint budget of expenditures on food. A household can
comprise one person or more, as well as people who are not related.
Income decile: A group that includes 10% of all households. Households are ordered by
income level (the classifying income), from the household with the lowest income in the
lowest decile through the household with the highest income in the highest decile.
Expenditure on food by income deciles: The ratio between the expenditure of a
household on food consumption, and the net money income of that household. The
population is divided into deciles of income, and for each decile a calculation is made of the
average percentage of the expenditure on food consumption out of the total income of the
household.
Gross money income of households: The total current money income of the household
before deduction of compulsory payments (income tax, National Insurance, and health
insurance). Gross money income includes income of all household members from salaried or
self-employed labour, property, interest, dividends, income from support and allowances
from institutions or individuals, pensions, or any other current income. Gross money income
does not include non-recurrent payments (e.g., inheritance, severance pay from the place of
work). Nor does it include imputations for income from use of own dwelling or other types of
income in kind.
Net money income of households: Gross money income as defined above, after deduction
of compulsory payments. Data on net income were not obtained directly from the households
surveyed, but were calculated on the basis of gross income and the tax rules as applied in
Israel.
Sources and methods
Data on income and expenditures on food were obtained from the Household Expenditures
Survey that the CBS conducts on an ongoing basis. Until 1997, this survey was conducted
approximately once every five years. From 1997 on, it has been conducted every year.
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LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH
Definitions
Life expectancy at birth: The average number of years that a newborn is expected to live,
assuming that the existing mortality rate of all ages will remain permanent throughout the
person's lifetime.
Sources and methods
The data are based on the CBS's population estimates, and on the personal information
appearing in the Ministry of Interior's Residents Register, as well as "Death Certificate"
forms.
International comparison data were obtained from a WHO (World Health Organization)
report.
INFANT MORTALITY
Definitions
Infant: A newborn who has not yet completed one year of life.
Infant mortality: Number of infants who died per 1,000 live births.
Sources and methods
The data are based on the personal information appearing in the Residents Register, and on
"Death Certificate" and "Live Birth Certificate" forms.
International comparison data were obtained from a WHO (World Health Organization)
report.
POPULATION GROWTH RATE
Definitions
Population growth: The change in the size of the population that results from births,
fatalities, and migration during a given period of time. This change can be positive (the
population grows) or negative (the population shrinks).
Population growth rate: The average annual rate of change in the size of the population,
measured as an annual change percentage.
Sources and methods
Population growth data are based on CBS population data.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
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PERCENTAGE OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS OUT OF THE CIVILIAN LABOUR FORCE
Definitions
Civilian labour force: Persons aged 15 and over who were "employed" or "unemployed"
during the determinant week of the labour force survey.
Employed persons: Those employed for at least one hour at any job for pay, profit, or other
remuneration during the determinant week; all workers in kibbutzim; family members who
worked without pay 15 hours or more per week; persons staying in institutions who worked
15 hours a week or more.
Unemployed persons: Persons who did not work at all during the determinant week (even
for a single hour), and actively sought work during the four weeks preceding their
enumeration in the survey by registering at the labour exchange of the Employment Service,
by personal or written application to an employer or by other ways, and who would have
been available to start work during the determinant week, had suitable work been offered
("availability for work").
Sources and methods
The data are based on labour force surveys that the CBS conducts on an ongoing basis.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
NUMBER OF WOMEN PER 100 MEN IN THE CIVILIAN LABOUR FORCE
Definitions
See above definitions for the "Percentage of Unemployed Persons Out of the Civilian Labour
Force" indicator.
Sources and methods
The data are based on the labour force surveys that the CBS conducts on an ongoing basis.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
WATER ABSTRACTION PER CAPITA
Definitions
Water abstraction: Potable water taken from groundwater aquifers or surface water,
permanently or temporarily, and transported for consumption.
Water consumption: Abstracted water actually consumed after transportation. The
difference between the quantities of water abstracted and the quantities of water supplied to
consumers results from the water loss during the transportation process.
( 26 )
Sources and methods
Data on water abstraction and consumption are obtained from the Water Authority.
Calculation of the indicator is based on water abstraction data divided by the average annual
size of the population, based on CBS population data.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
HOUSEHOLD WASTE PER CAPITA
Definitions
Household waste: Waste material usually generated in the residential environment and
which includes food residue, packaging materials, and products which have spoiled or worn
out. The indicator presents data on amounts of household waste produced per capita per
day.
Private consumption expenditure: The sum of consumption expenditure of households, as
well as the consumption expenditure of non-profit institutions serving households, where the
major part of their expenditure is not financed by the government.
Sources and methods
The data on household waste are based on reports obtained by the CBS from local
authorities, and on data from the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Data on private consumption expenditure per capita are composed of estimates of
expenditure of households and non-profit institutions, calculated by the CBS.
The calculation of the indicator is based on waste data and on data on private consumption
expenditure, divided by the average annual size of the population, based on CBS population
data.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION PER CAPITA
Definitions
Primary energy supply: The energy available to the economy during the report period –
from imports, domestic production and use of stocks.
Final energy consumption: Use of energy within the economy, other than use by energy
producers (such as the refineries or the Israel Electric Corporation).
Sources and methods
The data on crude oil and its products are based on reports of the following: the Fuel and
Gas Administration, oil refineries, large consumers of petroleum products, and fuel
companies. In addition, the data are based on data from the CBS.
( 27 )
The data on electricity are based on reports from companies producing electricity in Israel, as
well as on reports from manufacturing enterprises that have power stations with an output of
300 kilowatts or more per hour.
The calculation of the indicator is based on energy consumption data divided by the size of
the average annual population, based on CBS population data. The unit of measurement of
the data was determined as 107 kilocalories, which is called 1 t.o.e. (ton of oil equivalent).
Conversion into this unit is based on the net caloric value of various energy products.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
ENERGY INTENSITY
See the above definitions for the "Energy Consumption per Capita" indicator.
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) PER CAPITA
Definitions
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The sum of the gross value added of all domestic
manufacturers in manufacturer prices, plus net taxes on imports (taxes on imports less
export subsidies) and non-deductible VAT, or plus similar taxes levied on the manufacturer
price, such as purchase tax.
Sources and methods
The data are based on CBS calculations, which are in turn based on surveys and
administrative sources.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
RATIO OF EXTERNAL DEBT TO GDP
Definitions
External debt: The amount of current and non-contingent liabilities, which require payment
of principal and/or interest in the future, by residents of Israel to non-resident creditors.
Ratio of external debt to GDP: The external debt divided by the GDP.
Sources and methods
The data are based on CBS calculations, which are in turn based on surveys and
administrative sources.
International comparison data are based on EUROSTAT publications.
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NATIONAL EXPENDITURE ON CIVILIAN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) AS A
PERCENTAGE OF GDP
Definitions
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The sum of the gross value added of all domestic
manufacturers in manufacturer prices, plus net taxes on imports (taxes on imports less
export subsidies) and non-deductible VAT, or plus similar taxes levied on the manufacturer
price, such as purchase tax.
Research and Development (R&D): Systematic and original activity intended to create new
scientific or technological knowledge, including knowledge about man, culture, and society;
or to develop a new application of scientific or technological knowledge.
National expenditure on research and development (R&D): An estimate of the total
expenditure on the research and development produced in the country (business,
government, higher education, and private non-profit institutions). The estimate includes
research and development financed from abroad, but does not include payments for
research and development conducted abroad.
Sources and methods
Business/Industry: The expenditures on R&D in manufacturing, computer services, and
R&D companies were estimated according to a special R&D survey that was conducted by
the CBS until 2007. The expenditures on R&D in the electricity, water and communications
industries, and in other selected industries were based on surveys, responses to special
questionnaires, financial reports, and interviews.
Government: Government R&D expenditure was based on a questionnaire addressed to
government ministries and on financial reports of local authorities, of public non-profit
institutions, and of the government.
Higher education: The universities' expenditure on R&D was estimated on the basis of data
from the Israel Council for Higher Education Planning and Budget Committee, and on the
basis of a CBS survey on the national expenditure on education. Data obtained for an
academic year were adjusted to the calendar year by the use of indices specific to each type
of expenditure.
Private non-profit institutions: Expenditure on R&D was estimated on the basis of financial
reports.
The expenditure in industries where surveys were not conducted (1% of the total
expenditure) was estimated from data on the labour force employed in R&D, which were
obtained from the Labour Force Survey.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
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PRIVATE DISPOSABLE INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS
Definitions
Gross national income (GNI): Gross Domestic Product (GDP) plus income (compensation
for work and property income) paid to foreign economic units operating in Israel, plus income
paid to Israeli economic units from abroad.
Net national income: The aggregate value of the net balances of primary incomes summed
over all sectors. Net national income equals gross national income after the deduction of
consumption of fixed capital.
Consumption of fixed capital: The decline in the value of fixed assets that have economic
life remaining, as a result of physical deterioration, obsolescence, or accidental damage.
Net national disposable income: Net national income plus all current transfers in cash or in
kind receivable by resident institutional units from non-resident units, minus all current
transfers in cash or in kind payable by resident institutional units to non-resident units.
Private disposable income: National income less taxes on income, contributions to national
insurance, and property income paid to the general government, plus interest payments and
other transfers received by the private sector from the government and from abroad.
Adjusted private disposable income: Private disposable income plus social transfer in
kind.
Social transfer in kind: Goods and services provided to households by the governmental
sector and by non-profit institutions, either free or at prices that are not economically
significant.
Sources and methods
The data are based on CBS calculations and estimates, which are in turn based on surveys
and administrative sources.
International comparison data are based on OECD publications.
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