Climate of Armenia

In Armenia, climates vary from cold desert and cold steppe on the lower parts of the Ararat plain, to tundra on mountain peaks, and a humid continental climate in the inner parts. The following six basic types can be distinguished. Another type of climate is the dry continental type. It prevails mostly along the middle reaches of the Arax up to an elevation of 1,300 m. It differs from the dry subtropical climate by its cold winters.

According to historical sources, in ancient times the winter was the same as it is today, fairly cold in the Armenian lowlands and high in the mountains. 4th century B.C. Greek historian Xenophon, in his Anabasis (The Retreat of the 10,000), which describes the retreat of 10,000 Greek mercenaries through the Armenian mountains into the autumn, related that at night, when the soldiers were asleep, snow fell in the mountains and covered the men and their weapons. He wrote that the snow that fell in one night was about one meter deep. In the same work he noted that the Armenians protected themselves against the freezing frost by rubbing fat or almond oil into their bodies. Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi (5th century A. D.) described the climate of the Ararat plain as hot and dry in the summer.

Like many countries of the world, Armenia is no exception at experiencing climatic changes over the past decades. Reports, such as the World Bank Group's^[2], show that the country has already undergone climate variability, leaving different systems affected. This is due to high vulnerability to external shocks. The high share of natural gas puts Armenia below the global average in terms of greenhouse emissions.^[2] These exposures affect natural resources and other aspects of the environment.

Data indicates that Armenia's average temperature has risen by more than 1.2°C since 1929.^[3] Specialists have also documented an increase in changes in precipitation patterns that contribute to the concerns connected to water scarcity.^[2] The latter could be due to earlier snowmelt and reduced snowfall. This lowers river levels in summer and creates irrigation shortages. The results of the annual river flow assessment carried out for 2020, 2070 and 2100, show a prediction of river flow reduction by 14-39%.^[4] This changes the narrative for farming regions that need a constant water supply.

Ecosystems, as well as Biodiversity, are also being influenced. Many plant and animal species are losing their natural habitats, as forests are becoming vulnerable to degradation and wildfires. The CBD Sixth National Report^[5] states that more than 17,000 hectares of forest (5-5.5%) may disappear due to unfavorable conditions for forest growth. It was found that forest areas have significantly reduced.

Armenia has begun integrating climate considerations into national strategies. Armenia's government has created certain policies and international commitments, which include updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand renewable use.^[6] The government also cooperates with international organizations, such as United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the European Union, Global Environment Facility, and United Nations Development Programme. There are also programs, supported by the United Nations and other partners, focusing on climate-resilient management and protection to assist communities in adapting quickly to changing environmental conditions. The Ministry of Environment (Armenia), in partnership with the World Bank, developed a program called Resiland, which aimed to promote sustainable activities to resist climate change effects.^[7]

• Geography of Armenia
• Wildlife of Armenia

• Blizzard sweeps up Armenia, temperatures go subzero