Taub Center: Solutions for a Healthier and More Sustainable Future

Israel has always been a land of innovation, resilience, and forward thinking. From drip irrigation to renewable energy breakthroughs, Israelis have shown that with the right mix of vision and determination, even the toughest challenges can be met head-on. Today, as climate change and environmental health concerns become more pressing than ever, the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel is stepping up to provide smart, science-backed solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future.

A Holistic Approach to Environmental Health

The Taub Center is well known for its independent, non-partisan research on socioeconomic issues in Israel. Now, with the launch of the Research and Policy Initiative for Environment and Health, it is tackling one of the most urgent issues of our time: the intersection of public health and environmental sustainability.

This initiative, a joint effort with the Forum for Health and the Environment, was established in 2023 with the support of Yad HaNadiv. It brings together top experts to analyze and shape policies that address climate change, urban planning, air and water quality, and exposure to environmental hazards. The goal? To ensure that Israel’s environmental policies don’t just protect nature but also improve the well-being of every Israeli.

Meet Dr. Maya Sadeh – Leading the Way

Heading this groundbreaking initiative is Dr. Maya Sadeh, a leading researcher in environmental epidemiology and public health. With a background that spans the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Tel Aviv University, Dr. Sadeh’s work has already made significant contributions to understanding how urban planning, green spaces, and pollution impact human health.

Her research, including groundbreaking studies on the role of green spaces in patient recovery, demonstrates the tangible link between the environment and well-being. Under her leadership, the initiative is not just studying problems but actively working with policymakers to implement solutions.

Rethinking Urban Spaces for a Healthier Israel

One of the major challenges the initiative is tackling is how Israeli cities are designed. Currently, urban planning prioritizes private vehicles, leading to congestion, pollution, and a lack of pedestrian-friendly areas. This car-centric approach negatively impacts public health, increasing respiratory diseases, stress levels, and obesity rates.

The initiative advocates for a people-first approach to urban planning, where green spaces, walking paths, and sustainable public transportation play a central role. The benefits of such a shift are enormous:

• Healthier lifestyles: Walkable communities encourage physical activity, reducing chronic illnesses.

• Stronger social ties: Public spaces foster interaction, making neighborhoods more connected and vibrant.

• Lower pollution: Fewer cars mean cleaner air, benefiting both individuals and the planet.

By working with urban planners and policymakers, Dr. Sadeh’s team is ensuring that future city developments in Israel are designed with people’s health and environmental sustainability in mind.

Science That Drives Action

The Taub Center’s approach is unique because it doesn’t just conduct research—it turns data into action. A perfect example is its study on magnesium deficiency caused by desalinated water. While desalination has provided Israel with a crucial water supply, it has also inadvertently removed essential minerals like magnesium, which plays a critical role in preventing diseases like type 2 diabetes and strokes.

The initiative’s research provided clear, evidence-based insights into the health and economic costs of this deficiency. As a result, it helped push forward a pilot program to reintroduce magnesium into desalinated water, ensuring better health outcomes for millions of Israelis. This is just one example of how smart, data-driven policies can lead to real-world change.

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Policy

One of the biggest challenges in addressing environmental health issues is the disconnect between research and implementation. Policymakers and urban planners may recognize the problems but lack the cross-sector communication needed to create solutions. The Taub Center’s initiative is bridging this gap by:

• Bringing together experts from diverse fields such as epidemiology, urban planning, environmental science, and economics.

• Facilitating discussions between government ministries, NGOs, and researchers.

• Producing accessible, data-driven insights that translate into actionable policies.

This collaborative approach ensures that Israel’s decision-makers have the tools they need to make informed choices that benefit both people and the planet.

How You Can Help

The public has a crucial role to play in advancing environmental health in Israel. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Stay informed: Follow research and policy developments from organizations like the Taub Center.

• Advocate for change: Engage with local leaders to push for greener, healthier urban planning.

• Support research initiatives: As a non-government-funded organization, the Taub Center relies on philanthropic support to continue its critical work.

Dr. Maya Sadeh, Principal Researcher and Head of the Research and Policy Initiative for Environment and Health. Photo credit Yariv Kristal and courtesy of Taub.

A Bright Future for Israel’s Environment and Health

The Taub Center’s Research and Policy Initiative for Environment and Health is proving that science-driven solutions can create real change. By focusing on issues that impact everyday life—clean air, smart urban planning, and sustainable water solutions—it is helping build a healthier, more resilient Israel.

This is a moment for action. With visionary leaders like Dr. Maya Sadeh and the dedication of organizations like the Taub Center, we can ensure that Israel remains a global leader in sustainability, health, and innovation.

Taub Center Environmental Health Forum meeting. Photo by and courtesy of Taub.