Environment and Energy - Articles

While a tamada, the traditional master of ceremonies, is no novelty in the Georgian cultural context, taking the seat at the head table of the Energy Community’s Ministerial Council marks a first occasion in Georgia’s political and regulatory journey towards energy transition. But will this presidency move Georgia from participant to a true agenda-setter, or remain largely symbolic amid domestic challenges and current tensions with the EU? Can it become a genuine turning point after years of stalled reforms?

For the Azerbaijani regime, hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku represents a chance to obscure its poor climate record and relentless attacks on civil society. In reality, the government seems far more interested in capitalizing on rising fossil-fuel demand than in combating global warming.

As Armenia grapples with the political, environmental, and ethical dimensions of COP29, set to take place in neighboring Azerbaijan, the nation’s civil society raises concerns. 

By unpacking key global climate debates and their implications for Georgia, this article highlights the pressing need for a more nuanced public discourse on climate justice, as well as greater accountability from both state and international actors, in Georgia and beyond.

Azerbaijan has strengthened its energy ties with the EU since 2022, ramping up gas deliveries and articulating ambitions to export renewable energy and green hydrogen to Europe in the future. However, the EU’s shrinking gas demand and Azerbaijan’s lack of a genuine decarbonization strategy cast uncertainty on the long-term prospects of this partnership – all the more so given the EU’s persistent criticism of political repression and human rights violations in the South Caucasus republic.

Environmental protection and climate change have never been top concern for any elections in Georgia while the political establishment has been not-so-Green. 

In the article, the author analyses the current practices of pesticide usage, examines the challenges faced by consumers and producers, and presents his vision for short- and long-term regulations of pesticide usage in Georgia.

The Parliament of Georgia adopted the Law of Georgia on Amnesty. This legislation shields individuals from legal consequences if they wrongfully claimed ownership of agricultural land that was formerly public property. However, those seeking amnesty must either reimburse the state for damages, renounce their claims to the land, or provide compensation.

Even though air pollution is responsible for thousands of deaths every year, most people in Georgia are unaware of current air pollution-related policies and remain uninformed about air quality in their residential area.

What is the relationship between ecological information and environmental crises? What role does scientific competence – or a lack thereof – play in ecological management and environmental policy?

There is a general agreement among citizens of Georgia that the protection of the environment is a matter of crucial importance. While the environmental sustainability is essential for 98% of the population, the environment-oriented policy has not become a priority for the government.

This paper discusses several key points regarding the Green Deal, the challenges associated with its implementation, and its impact on the future of the Eastern Partnership – especially its impact on Georgia.