00:03 The first thing that comes to mind when people think
00:06 about the World Bank is our financing for development,
00:10 and that is an important part of what we do.
00:13 However,
00:14 there's an important aspect of our work that
00:17 is rooted in our analytical and advisory services
00:21 that often has just as big of an impact.
00:24 Now we have experts that work across the globe
00:27 but also that work locally here
00:30 and when we marry that local.
00:32 And global expertise
00:34 we can truly do amazing things on behalf of our client.
00:38 I would like to introduce you to one of our top
00:40 local experts on climate change here in Georgia,
00:44 Data John,
00:45 and have a conversation about climate adaptation and mitigation
00:50 in this beautiful country.
00:55 So
00:56 what does climate change look like here in Georgia?
01:00 Georgia's coastal zone is particularly vulnerable
01:03 to the impacts of climate change,
01:06 and it translates here in
01:08 flooding of towns and critical infrastructure,
01:12 erosion of coastline
01:14 that consumes beaches and threatens coastal tourism.
01:19 You can see the attempt to stop losing
01:23 the beach to the sea.
01:24 These boulders are deposited here to prevent erosion.
01:29 We have also frequenting sea storms interrupt
01:33 operation of ports and crash coastline infrastructure.
01:37 There is unprecedented spread of pests and diseases that cause loss of crops
01:44 and also their impacts on natural biodiversity.
01:48 Air pollution has contributed to more than 4000 deaths here in Georgia.
01:52 Economic costs of pollution are estimated to run to $560 million
01:57 or 3% of GDP.
01:59 And as we know,
02:00 disproportionately impacts the rural and the poor.
02:04 Climate-driven flooding,
02:05 erosion,
02:06 waste,
02:06 and soil damage is estimated to cost 5% of GDP.
02:10 On the other hand,
02:11 restoring landscapes is projected to reduce poverty
02:15 by 6%.
02:16 Recovering from COVID
02:18 presents an opportunity
02:19 to build back better,
02:21 greener,
02:22 and smarter.
02:25 So
02:26 surely Darijan,
02:27 not all is lost.
02:28 Tell me,
02:28 what can Georgia do to adapt to the impacts of climate change?
02:34 Environmental degradation in the coastal zone caused by climate change,
02:38 as well as pollution and unsustainable use
02:41 of natural resources may be effectively mitigated
02:45 by
02:46 well-informed spatial planning,
02:49 climate smart design of new infrastructure,
02:52 as well as retrofitting of existing structures,
02:55 and also changing behavioral pattern of people
02:59 through public awareness rising and education.
03:16 So tell me,
03:16 what is being done to invest in climate adaptation?
03:20 The importance of investing into climate adaptation is difficult
03:24 to overestimate because it has an immediate positive impact
03:28 on the safety and livelihood of vulnerable communities,
03:32 as well as on various branches of economic activity including tourism.
03:37 Each and every infrastructure design produced under a World Bank financed
03:42 project is screened for resistance to the impacts of climate change.
03:47 This is an example of the proactive approach.
03:50 On the retroactive side,
03:52 under the World Bank financed Secondary Road Asset Management project,
03:57 we are helping the Roads Department of Georgia
04:00 to enhance climate resilience
04:03 of motor roads in Raja.
04:05 Bringing global knowledge to Georgia and supporting its green development
04:10 is an important contribution to Georgia's approximation to the European Union.
04:27 So tell me,
04:27 Darajan,
04:28 what does Georgia need to do to properly prepare for climate change?
04:33 Putting Georgia on the path of resilient,
04:36 sustainable,
04:36 and green development
04:38 will require a mix
04:40 of enabling policy interventions,
04:42 public expenditure,
04:44 and incentives.
04:45 Let's take an example of the tourism sector.
04:48 Its success greatly depends on the positive visitor experience,
04:54 which is not spoiled with waterlogged streets,
04:57 broken roads,
04:58 delayed trains,
05:00 and the like,
05:01 which is caused by climate impact on unfit infrastructure.
05:05 It means that touristic regions of Georgia have to be made climate proof,
05:11 preserving of coastline,
05:13 dunes,
05:14 wetlands,
05:15 as well as constructing
05:18 green areas that are smartly designed.
05:21 In and around coastal settlements may help to mitigate flooding impacts.
05:27 This is because greenery has the ability to retain excess water
05:32 so that it does not flow rapidly in the event of heavy rainfall.
05:47 So I hope you have enjoyed that conversation with Dada John.
05:51 The more we study
05:53 the impacts
05:54 of climate change on a country of Georgia,
05:57 the more we can
05:59 properly tailor
06:00 our
06:01 investment and advisory services
06:03 to address this issue.
06:05 At the World Bank,
06:07 we have truly incorporated climate change
06:10 into our DNA.
06:12 We both have specific services that target
06:16 climate change issues,
06:17 but really it's become a cross-cutting issue for us.
06:20 So that when we look at agriculture,
06:22 we make sure that we focus on climate smart agriculture.
06:25 When we look at transportation and energy,
06:28 we understand what the impacts on the climate can be and help address those.
06:32 Moreover,
06:32 we're working with the government of Georgia today,
06:35 working on a climate change strategy,
06:37 helping them
06:39 introduce and incorporate the nationally defined contributions
06:42 into Georgia's strategy.
06:44 We want to make sure that Georgia is able to properly
06:48 mitigate the impact of climate change,
06:50 but also help with the adaptation,
06:52 for example,
06:53 to preserve this beautiful coastline that you see to my right.
06:57 So today
06:58 I would like to really call on every Georgian
07:02 to do their part to play their role
07:05 in ensuring
07:06 that we can ensure
07:07 for a prosperous but also a green future here in Georgia.
07:11 Thank you,
07:11 Sakarvelo.
- add-style
- lp-body-content