Transit Trade Aims Aggravate Challenges in Controlling Pollution Across the Caucasus Region
Trading Up Air Quality: A South Caucasus Dilemma
The nations of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are on a mission to enhance their economic horizons by developing international trade corridors in the South Caucasus. This endeavor, however, is likely to compound an existing environmental and wellbeing predicament - air pollution.
With a dearth of environmental regulations governing industries and the massive expansion of automobiles since the fall of the Soviet Union, cities in the Caucasus frequently find themselves choked by smog. Although the expansion of trade could catalyze prosperity, it also risks worsening pollution challenges these countries are already wrestling with.
A recent insightful piece on global air quality pointed to the South Caucasus as an area of concern because of its airborne harmful particles, known as PM2.5. In the report, Armenia ranked 31st in terms of highest PM2.5 levels, followed by Azerbaijan at 52nd, and Georgia at 62nd.
Erekle Shubitidze, a researcher at Tbilisi State University's International School of Economics, noted that unless concrete measures are taken, pollution levels are poised to escalate. Startlingly, about 6.5 million deaths annually can be attributed to air pollution, according to a study from The Lancet.
As you stroll along Tbilisi's iconic Rustaveli Avenue, the air may carry the distinctive scent of car exhaust—the culprit behind much of the pollution in this city. Although air quality appears to be relatively better in comparison to neighboring cities like Yerevan and Baku, it still falls drastically short of EU standards, with which many Georgians aspire to align. In 2018, the World Bank estimated that ambient and indoor air pollution led to nearly 4,000 premature deaths in Georgia alone. The problem is particularly acute in Tbilisi, where pollution is trapped by mountain ranges.
To tackle this problem, the government has introduced various improvements, such as expanded monitoring efforts, increased fines for excessive car emissions, and a push to adopt electric vehicles. While these efforts have displayed progress in containing harmful emissions, new pollution stress points are emerging. For instance, plans for a new Black Sea port and a 30-mile stretch of road built by Chinese firms are nearing completion, potentially leading to increased traffic and further pollution.
Cleaner initiatives could also carry regional significance. In Yerevan, road traffic and construction are the main génesis of harmful emissions, similar to Tbilisi. Yet, Armenia differs in that resource extraction plays a substantial role in pollution. Small quarries on the outskirts of the city extract basalt and gypsum, contributing to Yerevan's ranking as the 780th most polluted city in the world between 2017 and 2023.
Like its neighbors, Armenia aspires to boost its role in East-West commerce. The government's Crossroads of Peace plan aims to establish an inland port and free trade zone near Gyumri. Experts are finding that determining the scope of pollution hazards in Azerbaijan is a more daunting task, as the Azerbaijani government has been slow to provide data on sources of harmful emissions.
All three nations must strike a delicate balance between fostering economic growth and safeguarding the environment. Adopting green building materials, boosting electric vehicle use, and strengthening environmental regulations can go a long way in addressing these environmental challenges across the region. In the face of mounting pollution threats, a powerful yet careful approach to economic development is imperative.
- The South Caucasus' news headlines frequently feature discussions about air quality and pollution.
- Environmental science plays a significant role in understanding the effects of air pollution on health.
- Technology can provide solutions to mitigate air pollution, such as air quality monitoring devices.
- Health professionals emphasize the importance of addressing chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, which can be exacerbated by air pollution.
- Respiratory conditions, like asthma, are common in areas with high pollution levels.
- Eye health is also affected by air pollution, leading to conditions like conjunctivitis and cataracts.
- Health and wellness initiatives often prioritize reducing air pollution to promote overall health.
- Fitness and exercise routines can help strengthen the body's ability to cope with air pollution.
- Climate change, another pressing environmental concern, is influenced by air pollution and vice versa.
- Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power can reduce pollution from traditional power generation.
- Manufacturing industries must adopt green practices to reduce their carbon footprint and emissions.
- Mental health is affected by living in polluted environments, increasing the risk of conditions like anxiety and depression.
- Nutrition plays a role in overall health, and some foods can help protect against the ill effects of air pollution.
- The healthcare industry must invest in research to better understand the impacts of air pollution on medical-conditions.
- CBD, a compound found in cannabis, is being studied for its potential to protect against the effects of chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease.
- Entrepreneurship in the environmental science field can lead to innovative solutions to combat air pollution.
- Interior design can incorporate eco-friendly materials and practices to promote sustainable living.
- Transportation choices, such as opting for electric vehicles, can help reduce air pollution.
- Leadership in these nations must prioritize addressing air pollution to protect public health and the environment.
- Cybersecurity is essential to protect data related to air quality and pollution sources.
- Lifestyle choices, such as avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high pollution, can help improve overall health.
- Outdoor living can be enjoyed more safely with proper protection from pollutants.
- The automotive industry can contribute to air pollution, but also has the potential to develop cleaner solutions.
- Small businesses play a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices and reducing pollution.
- Financial institutions, like investment firms and wealth management companies, can support sustainable businesses and practices that promote cleaner air and environmental health.
