Europe is going up in flames — and Israel may emerge stronger | Dr. Anat Hochberg-Marom

The climate crisis in Europe, manifested in extreme heat waves, the drying up of major rivers, and damage to energy security, poses a strategic threat to the continent. The crisis exposes geopolitical weakness and increases dependence on energy imports. Conversely, the author argues that this creates an opportunity for Israel to strengthen regional cooperation and leverage the crisis to bolster its position.

An opinion piece by Dr. Anat Hochberg-Marom analyzes the climate crisis in Europe as a strategic, not just environmental, threat. Extreme heat waves, the drying up of the Rhine, Danube, and Vistula rivers, and damage to the cooling capacity of nuclear reactors in Germany, France, and Poland, are paralyzing logistics, supply chains, and power grids. Germany alone reports more than 10,000 heat-related deaths. The crisis exposes Europe's dependence on energy imports and weakens the stability of the Union. Conversely, the author points to an opportunity for Israel: regional cooperation with Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf states in water, energy, and food security management, which could form the basis for a "regional climate alliance" to balance the influence of Iran and Turkey. However, she warns of risks such as gas price volatility and climate migration. The article calls on Israel to adopt a proactive strategy of investing in resilient infrastructure and climate technologies.