Georgia faces a long-term problem with severe air pollution, which has serious impacts on the health of its citizens and the country's economy. According to the World Health Organization, the capital Tbilisi is one of the most affected areas in Europe - total pollution levels exceed WHO safety limits by up to three times. As a result, thousands of people die prematurely every year. Air pollution is not only a health risk, but also an economic burden - in 2018, the related costs amounted up to 3% of the country’s GDP.