Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the South Caucasus Mountains

The latest climate change trends

Armenia – Warmer and drier Armenia has undergone significant warming since the early 20th century. The highest rate of warming was observed during the last decade. While the annual temperature increased by 0.4°C between 1929 and 1996, when the data from 2007–2012 is included, the increase is between 0.85°C and 1.03°C (MoNP 2015). Summer temperatures have increased the most, by up to 1.1°C (MoNP 2015).

energy and industry), loss of human life, and change in natural ecosystems. Temperatures are increasing over the entire region and are expected to continue to do so into the future, and while the trends and scenarios for average precipitation are more varied, they are tending to decrease. Extreme weather events are expected to increase, thus significantly increasing the various risks in the mountains, especially in relation to agriculture, ecosystems, and human health and security (MoNP 2015; MoENR 2010; MoENRP 2015).

The impacts of climate change may have severe consequences for the people and environment of the mountainous areas of the South Caucasus. The characteristics of these areas, including high risk of natural disasters, low resilience of local communities, and the severity of impacts from anthropogenic activities, make them particularly vulnerable. When combined, these vulnerabilities and the effects of the changing climate may lead to a deterioration of economic activities (e.g. those related to agriculture,

Agricultural landscape in Armenia

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