PM: Georgia faces severe consequences of climate change

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said that the timing of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) is critical, demanding urgent action and collaboration to address its impacts.

Kobakhidze made these remarks at the Leaders' Summit of the Small Islands Developing States on Climate Change in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

He highlighted that hosting such a conference for the first time in a South Caucasus country—Azerbaijan—is a landmark event for the region.

"This event is significant as it marks the first time a South Caucasus country hosts such a conference. COP29 comes at a critical time, as climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, requiring urgent global action and cooperation to mitigate its consequences," he noted.

Kobakhidze expressed regret that ongoing armed conflicts not only lead to severe humanitarian crises but also hinder and slow down efforts to combat global climate change. 

"The growing impacts of climate change, including the rapid melting of glaciers and rising sea levels, are causing serious damage to the economies of developing countries and threatening livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable nations and local communities. Unfortunately, Georgia is also facing the harsh consequences of climate change," he added.

COP29 is considered one of the largest and most prestigious climate conferences in the world. This year’s event in Baku, which will run until November 22, is being held in Azerbaijan for the first time. The country has signed a Host Country Agreement and other key documents with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, cementing its role as a leader in climate change discussions.

By Naila Huseynova