Georgia is a middle-income country located in the South Caucasus Region. It has natural boundaries on three sides with mountains in the north and south and a coastline along the Black Sea in the west. It has the most glaciers of countries in the Caucasus region, many of which have retreated since the 1970s due to temperature rise (World Bank Group, 2021). 

Georgia has a ranking of 104th in the World Risk Report for2023 with medium exposure, vulnerability and has a moderate lack of adaptive capacities. Its most vulnerable system is the Black Sea coastline which is subject to coastal erosion and sea level rise (0.7m between 1956 and 2007 (World Bank Group, 2021)).  Across all RCP pathways, Georgia is expected to face an increase in average temperatures and droughts by 2080 (World Bank Group, 2021). 

Glacier-fed rivers are projected to see reduced flow by the end of the 21st century (World Bank Group, 2021). Salinized soil is an increasing problem in the country due to both natural and economic factors and is predicted to compound desertification in Georgia (ibid.). Regional disparities in living standards are expected to increase due to climate change, though it is possible that the relatively poorer communities in mountainous areas may be able to grow more diverse crops due to increases in temperatures (ibid.). 

According to its Biennial Transparency Report to the UNFCCC (2024) Georgia is in the planning phases of a National Adaptation plan that will help it meet its commitments in its NDC. In its NDC it outlines plans to assess the effects of climate change on costal zones, mountain ecosystems, and ecosystem services. 

CARE International in the Caucasus’ main office has been in Georgia since 1992 and covers the three countries in the South Caucasus region: Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Since 1995, CARE has transformed its work in the South Caucasus from humanitarian relief work to development, establishing a long-term strategy to reduce poverty and social injustice for rural populations and, in particular, women, youth, conflict-affected groups and those living in remote areas. CARE strives to contribute to lasting change through mobilizing local capacities and resources for strong civil society and promotion of learning and innovation