With a population of around 3.7 million (2023), Georgia contributes 0.03% to the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and has a per capita footprint of 2.37t CO2e. Georgia’s GHG emissions have changed significantly over the past three decades. In 1990, emissions stood at 46,575 Gg CO₂ eq., the highest on record. Following the economic downturn in the 1990s, emissions dropped sharply and reached their lowest point in 2001 at 9,514 Gg CO₂ eq. - around 80% below 1990 levels. From 2003 onwards, emissions gradually increased in line with economic recovery and higher energy demand, stabilizing at about 17,000–18,000 Gg CO₂ eq. during the late 2010s. By 2022, emissions rose to 20,096 Gg CO₂ eq., the highest level since the early 1990s, reflecting post-pandemic recovery and continued industrial growth. The LULUCF sector has been a key carbon sink for Georgia, helping to balance national emissions. While removals have varied over time, they have shown an upward trend in recent years, reaching a record 14,295 Gg CO₂ eq. in 2022.

The energy sector has historically been the largest contributor to emissions, followed by IPPU, agriculture, and waste:

Georgia has strengthened its climate ambition in recent years. The updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), submitted in 2021, commits the country to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35% below 1990 levels by 2030 unconditionally, and by 50–57% with international support and global action in line with 2°C or 1.5°C pathways. In 2022, this ambition was further revised, with Georgia setting a target of a 47% reduction in emissions (including LULUCF) by 2030.

To support implementation, Georgia adopted the Climate Change Strategy 2030 and Action Plans for 2021–2023 and 2024–2025, covering energy, transport, buildings, industry, agriculture, forestry, and waste. In 2023, Georgia finalized its Long-term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), which charts a pathway toward climate neutrality by 2050, with total investment needs estimated at USD 50–78 billion depending on the scenario. Municipal action is also expanding: 32 municipalities, covering about 65% of the population, have joined the EU Covenant of Mayors, committing to a 40% reduction in local emissions by 2030.

Georgia’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), submitted in July 2023, outlines an integrated approach to climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable energy development through 2030. The plan targets a 35% reduction in GHG emissions below 1990 levels (maximum 29.25 Mt CO₂-eq, excluding LULUCF) and aims to increase renewable energy’s share to 27.4% of final consumption. Sectoral goals include reducing industrial emissions by 5%, promoting low-carbon agriculture and waste management, and enhancing carbon sequestration in forests by 10%. Adaptation priorities focus on water and ecosystem management, resilient agriculture, conservation of endemic species, climate-resilient tourism, human health, and reducing losses from extreme weather events.

Climate Risks

Georgia’s climate has already shifted. Between 1986–2015, mean annual air temperature rose by about 0.47°C compared to 1956–1985. Since the 1960s, warming has been steady, with stronger increases in recent decades. Projections indicate Georgia will warm faster than the global average, with average annual temperatures rising by 1.6–5.4°C above 1981–2010 by the end of the century, depending on emissions scenarios. Precipitation is expected to become more variable - generally higher in winter and lower in summer- heightening the risk of droughts, floods and landslides.

Georgia is highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Adverse effects of climate change threaten human health, agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and infrastructure. Tourism, particularly in winter resorts and coastal areas, faces risks from shrinking snow cover and rising sea levels. The health sector is also exposed, with climate-linked increases in respiratory and circulatory diseases. Cultural heritage sites, many outdoors, are at growing risk from extreme weather and changing climatic conditions.

The most vulnerable sectors remain agriculture, forestry, tourism, health and cultural heritage.

Adaptation is becoming a national priority. Georgia is preparing its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), scheduled to begin in 2025, to strengthen resilience across key sectors and regions. In parallel, sectoral strategies—such as in agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and water management—are increasingly integrating climate-smart practices. New legislative initiatives, including a draft Climate Change Framework Law, aim to establish a comprehensive system for climate governance, MRV (monitoring, reporting and verification), and emissions trading.

Climate Change Governance in Georgia

Georgia’s climate change governance framework is anchored in its national commitments under the Paris Agreement and guided by the country’s long-term vision for low-emission, climate-resilient development. The institutional setup is led by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA), which coordinates climate policy across sectors and serves as the national focal point to the UNFCCC. Strategic oversight and cross-sectoral coordination are ensured through the National Climate Change Council (CCCC), a high-level inter-ministerial body chaired by the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. The Council brings together representatives from key ministries, public agencies, and stakeholders to guide national climate policy, monitor progress on NDC implementation, and ensure coherence between climate, energy, and development objectives. Key governance instruments include the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the forthcoming Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), and the National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (CSAP), which operationalize sectoral measures. Georgia is also aligning its domestic monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems with EU and UNFCCC transparency requirements and strengthening institutional coordination through the Climate Change Council and stakeholder engagement platforms.

Climate Policy Development and Cooperation with the EU

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture leads Georgia’s national climate policy and coordinates the country’s engagement in international climate negotiations. Georgia’s partnership with the European Union is anchored in the EU–Georgia Association Agreement (AA), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which entered into force in 2016. The Agreement provides a framework for closer political association and economic integration, while also driving progress on environmental and climate legislation. As part of this process, Georgia is steadily advancing the alignment of its laws and policies with EU standards in climate action and environmental protection.

EU4ClimateResilience in Georgia

EU4ClimateResilience builds upon the achievements of the UNDP implemented EU4Climate programme. 

The implementation of EU4ClimateResilience activities in Georgia builds on the foundations established by the earlier EU4Climate programme and continues to support the systematic advancement of Georgia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Source

1. Georgia’s NDC
2. Georgia’s LT-LEDS
3. Georgia’s Climate Strategy and Action Plan
4. Georgia’s 5th National Communication
5. Georgia’s 1st BTR
6. Georgia’s National GHG Inventory (1990-2022)