Georgia's Pollution Problem: A Comprehensive Overview

Georgia has been facing severe air pollution, which is a major concern for the country. In 2020, 7.6 million Georgians experienced over 65 days of polluted air. Augusta-Richmond County, which had the worst air quality in Georgia, suffered through 101 days of unsafe air quality. The main cause of air pollution in Georgia is vehicle emissions, particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi, which has been ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. However, there is some improvement, with overall air quality in Georgia showing a positive trend as emissions of key air pollutants continue to decline from 1990 levels.

Air pollution in Georgia is linked to neurological and psychological problems in children

Georgia has been struggling with air pollution, with Tbilisi, the capital, being one of the most polluted cities in the world. The city's pollution levels are 2.9 times higher than the norm, and the air quality in the country as a whole is linked to an average of 3,741 deaths per year. The main cause of air pollution in Tbilisi is vehicle emissions, with most cars in the city being older models built before 1999 and lacking the latest filtration technology. In addition, the city has a lack of green spaces, with a 2016 study finding that the amount of green space per citizen in Tbilisi is just a fraction of European standards.

Air pollution has been linked to various health issues, including neurological and psychological problems in children. Studies have shown a direct link between air pollution and a child's cognitive development, with polluted air impacting their neurological, psychological, and behavioural health, as well as their memory, learning success, and verbal and nonverbal IQ. Maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can also adversely affect the mental development of the foetus and is associated with low birth weight in newborns. The infant's brain is particularly sensitive to toxic substances in polluted air, and it can be damaged by very low doses of toxins. UNICEF emphasizes the importance of protecting children from polluted environments, as it benefits both the children and society as a whole by reducing healthcare costs and creating a safer, cleaner environment.

Several studies have explored the association between air pollution and mental health problems in children. A bibliographic search in the PubMed database identified reviews that demonstrated the adverse effects of lead exposure on health throughout life, including hearing loss, anaemia, renal failure, and a weakened immune system. Scientific reports have also identified five groups of mental health problems in children exposed to air pollution: behavioural and developmental disorders, ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health issues. Additionally, studies have found a connection between traffic pollution and the neurodevelopment of children aged 7 to 12 years, with lower cognitive development and behavioural issues.

While Georgia has made some progress in improving air quality, with a decline in the concentration of certain pollutants since March 2020, it still has a long way to go to ensure the health and well-being of its citizens, especially children, who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.

Tbilisi is one of the world's most polluted cities, with pollution 2.9 times the norm

Georgia has been facing severe air pollution, with Tbilisi being one of the world's most polluted cities. The pollution levels in Tbilisi are 2.9 times the norm, making it one of the deadliest cities for air quality. The main cause of this issue is vehicle emissions, as larger cities tend to have more cars, and older vehicles are less efficient than newer models. Additionally, emissions from industry and power stations burning fossil fuels contribute to the problem. The lack of green spaces in the city further exacerbates the situation. According to a report, about one death out of every thousand Georgians in 2017 could be attributed to air pollution, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The effects of air pollution on health cannot be overstated. Studies have shown a direct link between air pollution and adverse effects on a child's cognitive development, including neurological, psychological, and behavioural problems, as well as lower learning success and IQ. Furthermore, air pollution during pregnancy can negatively impact the mental development of the foetus, and is associated with low birth weight in newborns. The infant brain is particularly susceptible to damage from toxic substances in polluted air.

Recognising the urgency of the problem, several groups in Georgia, such as the Tbilisi Guerrilla Gardening Group, are actively campaigning to improve air quality. Their efforts include protesting against construction projects that contribute to air pollution and advocating for more green spaces. Additionally, reports have offered solutions such as electrifying buildings, equipment, and transportation, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and strengthening air quality standards.

Despite the challenges, there is some progress to be noted. Overall, air quality in Georgia is improving, with emissions of key air pollutants declining since 1990. Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels, for example, have decreased by 69% during this period. Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) levels have also dropped by 60%Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These improvements provide a glimmer of hope in the fight for cleaner air in Georgia.

Vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and power stations are key sources of pollution

Georgia has a problem with air pollution, which is a leading cause of death in the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Tbilisi is one of the most polluted cities globally, with pollution levels 2.9 times higher than the norm. Air pollution in Georgia is linked to an average of 3,741 deaths per year. A 2016 study from the Technical University of Georgia found that the amount of green space per citizen in Tbilisi is a fraction of European standards.

The state of Georgia requires residents in certain counties to have their vehicle emissions tested. These counties include Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale County. Vehicles that are 25 years or older are exempt from emissions testing. The cost of an emissions inspection is between $10 and $25.

Georgia has taken some steps to improve its air quality and reduce emissions. For example, distributed small-scale solar, including customer-owned photovoltaic panels, delivered an additional net of 568 GWh to the state's electricity grid in 2024. Georgia Power Hydro incorporates 72 hydroelectric generating units, providing a generation capacity of 844,720 kilowatts (kW) and over 45,985 acres of water bodies and more than 1,057 miles of shoreline for habitat and recreational use.

Air pollution was responsible for about one death per thousand Georgians in 2017

Air pollution is a serious issue in Georgia, with far-reaching health implications for its residents. In 2017, about one death for every thousand Georgians was attributable to air pollution, making it one of the country's biggest killers. This statistic underscores the significant impact of polluted air on the nation's mortality rates and highlights the urgency of addressing this issue.

Georgia is not alone in its struggle against air pollution, but it is one of the worst-affected countries. According to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), only North Korea had a higher mortality rate from dirty air in 2017. This places Georgia among the top countries where air pollution contributes significantly to premature deaths.

The capital city of Tbilisi stands out as a highly polluted area. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers Tbilisi one of the most polluted cities globally, with pollution levels 2.9 times higher than the norm. The main cause of air pollution in Tbilisi is vehicle emissions, particularly from old cars that lack modern filtration technology. The city's lack of green spaces further exacerbates the problem. However, it's important to note that the situation varies across Georgia, and some areas, like Abastumani, have lower pollution levels comparable to Bonn, Germany.

The health impacts of air pollution in Georgia are wide-ranging. Studies have linked air pollution to adverse effects on cognitive development in children, including neurological, psychological, and behavioural problems. It is also harmful during pregnancy, negatively influencing the mental development of the foetus. Additionally, air pollution increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases. The infant's brain is particularly susceptible to damage from toxic substances in polluted air. Furthermore, air pollution contributes to various diseases in adults, including lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, and chronic lung diseases.

To address the issue of air pollution in Georgia, several recommendations have been proposed. These include electrifying buildings, equipment, and transportation, transitioning to clean renewable energy sources, and strengthening federal air quality standards. While overall air quality in Georgia is improving due to declining emissions of key air pollutants, more work needs to be done to reduce the health risks associated with air pollution and protect the well-being of Georgia's residents, especially children.

Air quality is improving, with emissions of key pollutants declining since 1990

While Georgia has been facing severe air pollution, the air quality is improving with emissions of key pollutants declining since 1990. In 2017, about one death for every thousand Georgians was attributable to air pollution, making it one of the country's biggest killers. A 2016 study from the Technical University of Georgia found that the amount of green space per citizen in Tbilisi is just a fraction of European standards. The study also found that there is a direct link between air pollution and a child's cognitive development, with neurological, psychological, and behavioural problems, as well as affecting memory, learning success, and verbal and nonverbal IQ.

According to the Environmental Protection Division, carbon monoxide (CO) levels in Georgia are down 69% since 1990, with nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels down 60%, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels down by a significant 95%. Particulate matter, which is extremely harmful to human health, has also decreased since 1990, with PM2.5 levels down 61% and PM10 levels down 51%. In addition, volatile organic compound (VOC) levels have shown a decrease of 54%.

Despite these improvements, air pollution remains a serious issue in Georgia, with 7.6 million Georgians experiencing over 65 days of polluted air in 2020, according to a report by Environment Georgia. Augusta-Richmond County, in particular, suffered through 101 days of unsafe air quality, while residents in other areas of Georgia, such as Albany, Northwest Georgia, and Warner Robins, also endured unhealthy air for a significant number of days. The report recommends several solutions to improve air quality, including electrifying buildings, equipment, and transportation, transitioning to clean renewable energy, and strengthening federal air quality standards.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Georgia's air quality as "moderate" at the beginning of 2021, with a US AQI reading of 68. However, this was enough to rank Georgia 47th in the dirty city league, and Tbilisi, the capital, is considered one of the most polluted cities in the world, with pollution levels 2.9 times higher than the norm. The main cause of air pollution in Tbilisi is vehicle emissions, with older, less efficient cars contributing significantly.

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