Energy, Agriculture, Industry and Waste are main Sources of GHG Emissions in Georgia

The main originator of greenhouse gas emissions in Georgia is the energy sector, accounting for more than half of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agriculture, industry and waste are holding the next three positions on the list, with their contributions rising substantially in recent years. Following the collapse of Soviet-legacy industries, Georgia currently produces three times less greenhouse gas emissions than in 1990. However, a slight increase has been observed in the last decade.  

These findings are included in Georgia’s Second Biennial Update Report to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), prepared with the assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), unveiled yesterday by the Government of Georgia.  

“Reporting to the UN Convention on Climate Change is an important national exercise,” said Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Nino Tandilashvili. “Georgia’s recent report reveals the trends in domestic emissions over a 25-year period, identifies the needs and gaps, and helps the country move towards a climate-resilient society.” 

“2019 is a crucial year for the implementation of the Paris Agreement when all countries are updating their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said UNDP Deputy Head Anna Chernyshova. “UNDP will continue supporting Georgia in its efforts to set more ambitious goals and make further steps to greener and more sustainable economy.” 

Georgia has been submitting biennial reports to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2016, aiming to capture the major national trends in greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions and describe the mitigation measures undertaken in different sectors of economy.  

The recent Report developed in 2017-2019 includes an updated GHGs Inventory and information on the implemented, ongoing and planned mitigation policies and measures. It also describes a national framework for measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) to track GHGs emissions, climate finance and the impact of mitigation actions. 

Among the challenges faced by Georgia in climate action, the Report points out fragmented legislation and institutional framework, insufficient domestic finance and lack of quality research and climate-friendly technologies. As a solution, it suggests the establishment of a Climate Change Committee to co-ordinate the climate-related activities. 

Georgia’s Second Biennial Update Report is a joint effort of a wide range of stakeholders – government agencies, civil society, academic and educational institutions and international partners. Submitted in June 2019, the Report received positive feedback from the UNFCCC Secretariat. The Report is available at the UNDP website.