Plastic collected in bird nests is tiny time capsule

Researchers found a Eurasian coot nest in an Amsterdam canal made of plastic layers spanning 30 years, revealing the birds’ use of human-made materials for nest construction. While reusing plastic may save time, it also poses significant risks, such as entanglement and environmental harm, highlighting the need for better waste management and awareness of urban wildlife impacts.

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A man in Gaza cooks food on his roof using a solar cooker, powered by the sun

As discussions about Gaza’s future unfold, one thing is clear: rebuilding must be done sustainably and inclusively. The sheer scale of destruction presents both a challenge and an opportunity—one that demands a forward-thinking approach rather than short-term, profit-driven solutions.

A logical starting point for reconstruction is utilizing the vast amount of rubble already present. Recycling this debris into new building materials is not just an environmentally responsible choice but also an efficient and cost-effective solution. Infrastructure companies specializing in sustainable urban development should be incentivized to establish operations in Gaza, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth. This approach would ensure that rebuilding is not only rapid but also resilient, reducing dependency on costly imports.

Masdar Incubator Building, Foster & Partners, clean tech, free economic zone, green design, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi

Masdar is a sustainable city in the UAE. The problem is no one wants to live there

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called attention to Gaza’s potential as valuable real estate, given its prime coastal location. However, a luxury-driven redevelopment strategy risks exacerbating inequality rather than fostering long-term stability. If rebuilding efforts focus solely on high-end properties, ordinary Gazans—who have already suffered immense losses—could find themselves permanently displaced.

A more sustainable approach would prioritize mixed-income housing, ensuring that new developments are accessible to a broad range of residents. Investment in public infrastructure, schools, and renewable energy sources would help create a thriving, self-sustaining community rather than an exclusive enclave for the wealthy.

Hempconcrete is a sustainable building material which is fire-proof and which has great thermal insulation

Rebuilding Gaza cannot happen in a political vacuum. Any reconstruction plan must align with agreements between Israel and whatever governing body takes control after Hamas. Israel has made it clear that it will not accept a Hamas-led Gaza, and the formation of a new leadership structure will be a decisive factor in how reconstruction proceeds.

This governing body must play an integral role in urban planning, ensuring that development aligns with the needs of Gaza’s residents rather than external interests. International collaboration—including partnerships between governments, NGOs, and sustainability experts—will be key to ensuring a stable and inclusive future.

Given the likelihood of a buffer zone along Gaza’s border, an innovative approach could be to transform this space into a greenbelt. Many cities worldwide have successfully implemented green zones that serve as ecological buffers while also benefiting urban populations. A well-planned greenbelt could provide environmental benefits, support agriculture, and even serve as a shared space between Gazans and Israelis—turning a divisive border into an area of mutual sustainability.

About the author:

Batel Spivack

Batel Spivack completed her MA in Environmental Studies with a focus on urban sustainability at Tel Aviv University’s Porter School and has a BA in Political Science from Stern College Yeshiva University. She has been living in Israel for over 20 years and grew up in the USA.

Batel works for the Jerusalem Green Fund where she directs a center for sustainability for the Ultra-Orthodox community, coordinates the Sustainable Jerusalem Lobby which aims to set a sustainable agenda for the city while being heavily involved in urban development on a grassroots level with residents from all sectors.

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