What is JNF ?

JNF - An Environmental Movement for Tomorrow is a campaign to educate individuals about the positive impact they can have on the environment by:

• Making simple lifestyle changes to reduce the amount of harmful carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by their daily activities and purchases.
• Going “carbon neutral” - offsetting the carbon dioxide they emit by planting trees in Israel (see What does it mean to go carbon neutral?).
• Funding JNF’s cutting-edge environmental projects.

How is carbon dioxide related to global warming?

The burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas) for energy releases carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere, trapping solar heat and increasing the earth’s temperature in a process known as the greenhouse effect. While a variety of gases cause the greenhouse effect, carbon dioxide is responsible for approximately 65% of human-induced global warming.

What are the consequences of global warming?

The effects of global warming on the environment are already evident. Glaciers are melting, severe storms and droughts are becoming more frequent, and animals are being forced out of their natural habitats. Left unchecked, rising temperatures can have disastrous consequences for our planet, including intense heat waves, destruction of coastal communities because of rising sea levels, droughts and wildfires, and species extinction.

What does it mean to go carbon neutral?

Through activities such as driving a car, flying on an airplane, and doing laundry, the average person is responsible for emitting 23 tons of carbon dioxide each year (this includes the CO2 emitted in the production of goods we purchase). The first step in making a difference is to cut down on these emissions (see What You Can Do). The next step is to go “carbon neutral.” This involves determining the amount of carbon dioxide you emit and help offset it by supporting environmentally friendly practices -- such as planting trees in Israel with Jewish National Fund -- that reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

How does planting trees help?

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis. As a result of this chemical reaction, oxygen is released into the air while carbon is sequestered, or stored, in the tree. About half of the weight of a mature tree is carbon.

Why should I plant trees with JNF?

The success of planting trees to offset carbon emissions depends on the sustainability of the forests planted. All trees give off some carbon dioxide naturally, but as long as a tree is alive and growing, it will always absorb and store more carbon dioxide than it emits. This is why mature forests are called "carbon sinks."

A Century of Forestry Experience

With over 100 years of experience as caretaker of the land of Israel, Jewish National Fund has planted more than 240 million trees, transforming over 250,000 acres of arid land into lush green forests. Because of JNF’s forestry expertise and commitment to environmental protection, Israel is arguably the only country in the world to have more trees today than it did a century ago. The trees already planted by JNF have absorbed an estimated 110 million tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

How much carbon will be offset with each tree JNF plants?

Each tree will absorb an average of one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. The number of trees needed to help offset carbon emissions is an estimate and varies according to the species of tree, soil type, type of planting and location.

How long does the average tree live?

The average tree lives for 70 years.

I live in Australia. Don’t I need to plant trees in Australia to offset my carbon emissions?

Global warming is a global problem and its effects are not confined to the areas where carbon dioxide emissions originate. Therefore, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in Israel’s atmosphere has a positive effect on the global ecosystem.

What types of trees will be planted?

JNF will plant a variety of trees in keeping with its diversified forestry program.

If I invest in JNF’s environmental projects, what will my donation be used for?

Based on a Covenant with the Government of Israel, KKL-JNF has as its primary goals the development and conservation of land for the benefit of the Jewish people, the maintenance of Israel's environment and the improvement of the quality of life in Israel. The areas of activity comprise:

• Greening the State of Israel through the creation, improvement and maintenance of forests and the preservation of natural landscapes and open spaces
• Land development, conservation and reclamation, including in rural and arid areas
• Conservation and expansion of water resources, drainage and rehabilitation of river systems, for the good of Israel and the entire region

Where can I learn more about JNF’s environmental activities?

For more information on JNF’s environmental activities, visit How JNF is Helping.