Climate Policy in Georgia

Abstract

In April 2021, Georgia published its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) document, setting more ambitious objectives and targets compared to the previous NDC. Although Georgia faces various national security threats, such as ongoing Russian occupation and the Covid-19 pandemic, it stays committed to the objectives of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement. With its insignificant share of the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and considering the country's national circumstances (as a developing country with high mountains and diverse climate regions, Georgia is already experiencing climate change impacts throughout its territory), adaptation is becoming a more urgent need for Georgia. However, it is still lacking a national adaptation strategy. Even though the climate policy of Georgia is outlined in several documents aiming to strengthen the country’s commitment, they are lacking consistency. This article describes the climate change policy arrangement of Georgia, its particular national context, and challenges the country faces in its climate mainstreaming process.