The transition toward a green economy has become a central pillar of economic policy in the European Union, reflecting the need to reconcile economic growth with environmental sustainability. As defined by international frameworks, a green economy is one that is low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive, aiming to reduce environmental risks while generating new economic opportunities.

On April 4th, ISET Policy Institute hosted a public seminar with discussions centered around air pollution, poverty, and equity in Tbilisi. Led by Alan Fuchs and Sandra Baquie from the Poverty and Equity Global Practice at the World Bank, the public seminar titled 'Poverty and Distributional Consequences of Air Pollution in Tbilisi' provided a platform for in-depth exploration and dialogue on this pressing issue.

Georgia is committed to various international agreements on climate change, notably the Paris Agreement and the Association Agreement with the European Union. Recently, in 2021, Georgia announced a new Nationally Determined Contribution, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% compared to 1990 levels.

Dr. André de Palma, a distinguished Professor at CY Cergy Paris Université, THEMA, recently presented a seminar at ISET on the “Impact of low emission zones on spatial and economic inequalities using a dynamic transport simulator.” His presentation addressed the critical issue of air pollution – estimated to have caused 311,000 premature deaths in the EU in 2023, with associated costs reaching €224 billion or 1.4% of GDP.

On 14 June 2023, a meeting organized by the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and the Remission Center for Sustainable Development was held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. The purpose of the event was to discuss the concepts being prepared for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in the transport sector.