Based in Kibbutz Ketura in the Negev, The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is an academic and research institute working to advance cooperation between Israel and its neighbors on pressing environmental concerns. A valued Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate, the Institute brings together Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian students to study and address common problems relating to water usage, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Dr. Tarek Abu Hamed, Executive Director of the Arava Institute, to discuss the environmental issues facing the Middle East, how the Institute is solving these issues while building community bridges, and the immediacy with which we need to address climate change.