Kiera Jefferson
Georgia ranks 42nd out of 117 countries in terms of PM2.5 levels, with the capital city of Tbilisi being one of the most polluted cities in the world. The air pollution levels in Tbilisi exceed international standards, with the air pollution being 2.9 times higher than the norm. The main cause of air pollution in Tbilisi is vehicle emissions, with 90% of the country's vehicle fleet being older than 10 years. Other factors contributing to high pollution levels include weather patterns, traffic congestion, and industrial emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| City with the most air pollution in Georgia | Tbilisi |
| Tbilisi's ranking in air pollution among world cities | 40th out of 107 capitals |
| Tbilisi's ranking in air pollution among European cities | 3rd |
| Tbilisi's PM2.5 concentration | 20.4 μg/m3 |
| Tbilisi's PM2.5 levels compared to the level recommended by the WHO | 4 times higher |
| Tbilisi's air pollution compared to the norm | 2.9 times higher |
| Number of deaths due to air pollution in Georgia per year | 3,741 |
| Percentage of premature deaths due to lung cancer | 36% |
| Percentage of premature deaths due to stroke | 34% |
| Percentage of premature deaths due to heart disease | 27% |
| Percentage of premature deaths due to chronic lung disease | 35% |
| Main source of air pollution in Tbilisi | Vehicle emissions |
| Second source of pollution in Tbilisi | Industrial emissions |
| Percentage of green space per citizen in Tbilisi compared to European standards | A fraction |
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What You'll Learn
Tbilisi is the most polluted city in Georgia
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is the country's most polluted city. At the start of 2021, Tbilisi had a US AQI reading of 77, which was considered Moderate according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the pollution levels in Tbilisi exceed international standards, significantly surpassing other cities in the region. According to the WHO, pollution in Tbilisi is 2.9 times higher than the norm, ranking it as one of the most polluted cities in the world.
The main source of air pollution in Tbilisi, as with most large cities, is vehicle emissions. The city's roads are often clogged with old cars emitting dark-coloured fumes, many of which were built before 1999 and lack modern filtration technology. Additionally, Tbilisi has a high number of large, powerful engine vehicles with faulty gas systems that emit excessive emissions. The city's public transport system, including yellow buses, also contributes to the pollution, and efforts are being made to replace them with more modern alternatives.
Industrial emissions from factories and power stations powered by fossil fuels further exacerbate the pollution in Tbilisi. The city's lack of green spaces and poor urban planning, as noted by environmental activists, contribute to the high levels of pollution. A study by the Technical University of Georgia found that the amount of green space per citizen in Tbilisi is significantly below European standards.
The impact of air pollution in Tbilisi is not evenly distributed. A study by the World Bank found that poorer and less-educated households are more exposed to air pollution and have lower adaptive capacity. Traffic congestion, particularly in the city centre, is a significant contributor to air pollution levels, and addressing this issue is crucial. Additionally, indoor air pollution levels in Tbilisi are higher than outdoor pollution due to factors such as cooking, smoking, and building insulation.
Overall, Tbilisi's air pollution levels are a serious concern, with the city ranking third in Europe for air pollution. The high levels of pollution have adverse effects on the health, labour productivity, and economic outcomes of Tbilisi's residents. The city is taking steps to improve air quality, such as replacing public transport with more modern alternatives and increasing awareness about air pollution risks. However, more comprehensive emission reduction strategies and socioeconomic considerations are needed to combat the problem effectively.
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Vehicle emissions are the main cause of Tbilisi's air pollution
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the city's air pollution is almost three times higher than the allowable norm. This is largely due to vehicle emissions, which account for 71% of total emissions. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that 37% of the country's vehicles are concentrated in Tbilisi, as a large part of Georgia's population operates in the city.
As with most large cities, the number of vehicles in Tbilisi is directly proportional to the population. The older vehicles are, the more likely they are to lack the latest filtration technology, resulting in higher emissions. In less developed countries, such as Georgia, vehicles tend to be older and less efficient than newer models. This is particularly evident in Tbilisi, where most cars were built before 1999 and are not equipped with modern filtration systems.
The city's public transport system, including the iconic yellow buses, has also been identified as a major contributor to air pollution. More than 90% of the country's vehicle fleet is over ten years old, and many of these older vehicles emit excessive pollutants. Additionally, some owners of large, powerful engine vehicles have installed faulty gas systems, further increasing emissions and environmental pollution.
Traffic congestion in Tbilisi significantly reduces air quality. The World Bank's Poverty and Equity Team, with financial support from Sweden, analysed traffic data to understand the impact of congestion on pollution levels. They found that congested roads, particularly during rush hour, are major sources of air pollution. The team's utilisation of Waze for Cities data helped identify these congested roads and study air pollution at those points.
To address the issue of air pollution, Tbilisi City Hall has announced plans to replace public transport with new, modern alternatives as soon as possible. However, it remains unclear whether there is a utilisation plan for the older yellow buses. UNICEF has also released a report highlighting the risks of toxic air on newborns' brain development, underscoring the urgency of improving air quality in Tbilisi and other developing countries.
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Air pollution is 2.9 times higher than the norm in Tbilisi
Air pollution in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital and largest city, is 2.9 times higher than the norm, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Tbilisi as having extremely high levels of air pollution, with the air quality index (AQI) in the city being ranked as "Moderate" at the start of 2021. The PM2.5 concentration in Tbilisi is currently 2.3 times higher than the WHO's annual guideline value, and the levels of the measured pollutants were as follows: PM2.5 - 24.4 µg/m³ and PM10 - 40 µg/m³.
The main cause of air pollution in Tbilisi is vehicle emissions, which account for 71% of total emissions. The city's rush-hour roads are often clogged with old cars emitting dark-colored fumes, many of which lack the latest filtration technology. In addition, 37% of the country's vehicles are concentrated in Tbilisi, as a large part of Georgia's population operates in the city. The number of both transit and permanent vehicles in the capital is much higher than in other parts of the country.
Another factor contributing to the high levels of air pollution in Tbilisi is the lack of green spaces. 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 city's proximity to the Silk Road has also made it a busy transportation hub, further contributing to traffic congestion and increased air pollution levels.
The effects of air pollution in Tbilisi are far-reaching and have a significant impact on the health and well-being of its residents. According to the WHO, every ninth person in the world dies from polluted air, and air pollution is associated with various diseases, including lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, and chronic lung disease. In Georgia, it is estimated that 3,741 people die each year due to air pollution. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to adverse effects on cognitive development in children and mental health issues in adults.
To address the air pollution problem in Tbilisi, the city has announced plans to replace public transport with new, modern alternatives as soon as possible. However, during the initial hearings, it remained unclear whether there would be a utilization plan for the old yellow buses, many of which fail to meet the required standards and contribute to air pollution. Environmental activists and advocacy groups, such as the Tbilisi Guerrilla Gardening Group, are also working to improve air quality in the city and raise awareness about the issue.
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Poorer and less-educated households are more exposed to air pollution
While searching for the most polluted city in Georgia, it is evident that the capital, Tbilisi, has extremely high levels of air pollution. The pollution in Tbilisi is 2.9 times higher than the norm and is ranked third in Europe for air pollution. The main source of this pollution is vehicle emissions, with most cars in the city lacking the latest filtration technology.
Now, when it comes to the impact of air pollution on poorer and less-educated households, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, low-income population groups are often engaged in physical and outdoor labor, which leads to higher exposure and intake of pollutants. They are more vulnerable to the adverse effects on their health and well-being due to limited access to quality healthcare services. This disparity in health risks is evident even when compared to higher-income households exposed to similar pollution levels.
Secondly, areas with low socioeconomic status (SES) communities tend to experience higher concentrations of air pollutants. Pollution sources, such as industrial zones and power plants, are often located near disadvantaged communities, increasing their exposure to harmful emissions. Additionally, low-income households disproportionately bear the environmental externalities associated with subsidized fossil fuel consumption, which further contributes to their exposure to air pollution.
Moreover, certain racial and ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics, are more likely to reside in counties with worse particle and ozone pollution. This disparity is influenced by factors such as racism, class bias, housing market dynamics, and land costs, leading to higher exposure to pollutants for these communities.
Lastly, individuals with lower educational attainment are more likely to live in areas with higher air pollution exposure. This correlation between education and pollution exposure further exacerbates the challenges faced by these households in terms of access to resources and opportunities that could mitigate the impacts of air pollution on their health and overall well-being.
Overall, the interplay of socioeconomic factors, racial and ethnic disparities, and educational background contributes to the heightened exposure of poorer and less-educated households to air pollution, resulting in potential health risks and adverse outcomes.
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Georgia ranks 42nd out of 117 countries for air pollution
Diving deeper into the data, we find that the capital city of Tbilisi is a significant contributor to Georgia's air pollution levels. Tbilisi ranks as one of the most polluted cities in the world, with pollution levels 2.9 times higher than the norm. The main sources of pollution in Tbilisi are vehicle emissions and industrial emissions. The city's large population results in a high number of vehicles on the roads, many of which are older models that lack modern filtration technology. Additionally, Tbilisi's limited green space further exacerbates the problem.
However, it is important to note that the situation varies across Georgia. For example, the city of Abastumani has pollution levels approximately equal to those of Bonn, Germany. Furthermore, Batumi is the least polluted city in the region, with a PM2.5 concentration of 14.3 μg/m3.
To address the issue of air pollution, Tbilisi is taking steps to modernize its public transport system and replace older, polluting vehicles. The WHO has urged countries to reduce air pollution levels, and Georgia is working towards improving its air quality to meet these recommendations. Overall, while Georgia faces challenges in terms of air pollution, particularly in cities like Tbilisi, there are efforts in place to mitigate the problem and improve the air quality for its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
The capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, is the most polluted city in the country.
According to the World Health Organisation, Tbilisi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. It ranks third in Europe in terms of air pollution and 40th out of 107 capitals worldwide.
The main cause of air pollution in Tbilisi is vehicle emissions. The city has a high volume of old cars that do not have modern filtration technology.
Air pollution increases the likelihood of respiratory and mental health issues for Tbilisi's residents. Research has also shown that poorer and less-educated households are more exposed to air pollution and have lower adaptive capacity.
The city plans to replace public transport with more modern alternatives. There are also plans to address traffic congestion, regulate industrial emissions, and raise public awareness about air pollution risks.
