Climate Change in Court: What New International Practice Could Mean for Georgia

Climate disputes are no longer only political

UNEP reported 3,099 climate-related cases filed across 55 national jurisdictions and international or regional bodies by 30 June 2025. In May 2026, the UN General Assembly backed action based on the ICJ’s 2025 advisory opinion, giving state duties concerning climate change stronger international-law significance.

This does not automatically create a new Georgian cause of action. It does sharpen questions about whether an environmental assessment was completed, whether the public received information, whether health and property risks were considered, and who should repair proven harm.

If a similar dispute happens in Georgia

Georgia’s Environmental Assessment Code covers strategic documents and public or private activities that may significantly affect the environment, life or health. It also provides procedures for environmental impact assessment, public participation and access to information. The Law on Environmental Liability may be relevant to ecological damage and restoration measures. Depending on the facts, a claimant may consider challenging an administrative decision, requesting information or expertise, or seeking compensation for proven property or health damage.

Practical steps

• Collect permits, EIA/SEA materials, public-hearing records and monitoring data.
• Record the date, place, photos, videos and medical or property evidence of harm.
• Check whether the activity required an environmental decision before a permit could operate.
• Businesses should conduct climate and environmental due diligence and review insurance and contracts.
• Use independent technical experts and select the correct administrative, civil or other procedure.

Climate change alone is not proof of a particular legal claim. A viable case needs causation, damage, the correct respondent and a procedurally proper remedy.

## წყაროები / Sources - UNEP, Global Climate Litigation Report: 2025 Status Review: https://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-climate-litigation-report-2025-status-review - UNEP, May 2026 overview of the UN General Assembly climate development: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/un-general-assembly-recently-backed-landmark-court-opinion-climate-change - Environmental Assessment Code of Georgia: https://www.matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/3691981?publication=13 - Law of Georgia on Environmental Liability: https://www.matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/5109151?publication=2 - Law of Georgia on Environmental Protection: https://www.matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/33340?publication=10