Greening transportation would lower greenhouse gas emissions from road transport, contributing to the global public goods. Transport sector accounts for about 40 percent of Georgia’s CO2 emissions. According to International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2009, CO2 emissions from road transport were 2 million tons and other transport sectors 0.2 million tons, of the total of 5.7 million tons. The share of transport sector is expected to grow as mitigation in other sectors, such as building and industry, is relatively easier.
Also lowered would be vehicle emissions of major local air pollutants thereby reducing health costs and improving the quality of life for Georgians.In Georgia the main source of air pollution is road transport,which emits a major and growing share of most pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (volatile organic compounds and methane), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), soot, benzopyrene and particulate matter (PM) (Figure 3). These pollutants are present in areas with intensive trafficlarge urban areas and along main road corridorsmost acutely observed in Tbilisi, where emissions of these pollutants incur substantial health costs. They contribute to eye irritation, respiratory diseases, cardio-pulmonary damage and premature death.CITATION Gla08 \n \t \l 1033 A comparative example is Mexico City; a World Bank study estimated that reducing local ozone concentrations and emissions of particulate matters by only 10 percent would save annual health costs up to US$1,607 million for Mexico City metropolitan area.CITATION Gla08 \n \t \l 1033 Although Georgia’s cities have lower levels of individual vehicle use, minibus fleets have high emission intensity, contribute to congestion and disrupt traffic; emissions from other vehicles are also rising.
Figure 3: Road Transport is Responsible for a Major and Growing Share of Emissions