Understanding Water Diplomacy Between Israel and Jordan

In the seventh event of the Global Dialogues series on ThinkND, Gabriel Mitchell and special guest Dr. Daniel Blumenthal discussed water and energy diplomacy between Jordan and Israel. In November 2021, Israel and Jordan signed an energy agreement where Jordan would send generated solar power to Israel in exchange for water produced from desalination facilities. This agreement will help the countries support each other’s needs and efforts to reduce climate change.

Mitchell and Blumenthal continued in a formal discussion about this agreement, followed by questions from viewers. Mitchell asked Blumenthal to explain desalination to viewers. Desalination is a process that removes excess salts and other minerals from water. Israel has a handful of desalination plants with more under construction that can be used to provide Jordan with fresh drinking water to meet the needs of its growing population. On the other end of the agreement, the water will be exchanged for solar energy produced by panels that take the sun’s energy and store it on a grid for later use. This is an energy efficient and environmentally friendly way to produce electricity.

In the past, Jordan and Israel have been in conflict with each other over land and access to resources. This energy agreement is opening new doors for collaboration between countries to have a positive impact on the environment. This is an important example of countries working together to solve an environmental issue like climate change that no country can solve on its own. Historically, the United States has paved the way for new types of renewable energy sources, so it is important for the U.S. to show its commitment to and interest in this deal between Israel and Jordan.

Mitchell and Blumenthal wrapped the discussion with questions posed by the audience. These questions included what happens to brackish water after desalination, what the outlook on desalination in the U.S. is, and information about new research involved in renewable energy. This important discussion shed light on both diplomacy and water in relation to the problem of climate change.

Visit the event page for more.