Bangladesh: environment

How much CO2 does Bangladesh emit?

Bangladesh emitted 124.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators. That is about 0.72 tonnes per person. Total greenhouse gas emissions, including methane from rice and livestock, were 220.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Most CO2 comes from burning gas, oil and coal for power, industry and transport. The 2026-27 budget speech says more than 40% of generation capacity is gas-based and sets a target of 20% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030. Bangladesh's own greenhouse gas inventory, reported to the UN, uses its own methods and years.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions excluding LULUCF, Bangladesh · World Bank: total greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh · Finance Division: Budget Speech 2026-27 (PDF)

How bad is air pollution in Dhaka?

Dhaka's daily air quality index ranged from 166 to 339 in January 2026, in the unhealthy to hazardous range on every day, according to the Department of Environment monthly air quality report for January 2026. The department monitors air at 31 stations across the country.

The index follows the US EPA scale, on which values above 150 are unhealthy and above 300 hazardous. Across the year, the World Bank puts average exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) at 69.3 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, against a national annual standard of 35. Monthly reports are on the DoE site.

Official sources: DoE: Air Quality Monthly Report, January 2026 (PDF) · DoE: monthly air quality reports 2026 · World Bank: PM2.5 mean annual exposure, Bangladesh

How much of Bangladesh's electricity is renewable?

Renewable sources produced 1.5% of Bangladesh's electricity in 2021, the latest year in the World Bank World Development Indicators. The government has set a target of meeting 20% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, according to the 2026-27 budget speech.

Most of Bangladesh's power comes from gas. The speech says more than 40% of generation capacity is gas-based and rising LNG imports have made power more expensive. The Bangladesh Power Development Board publishes generation data, but its site could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: renewable electricity output, Bangladesh · Finance Division: Budget Speech 2026-27 (PDF)

What are Bangladesh's air quality standards?

Bangladesh's national standard for fine particles (PM2.5) is 35 micrograms per cubic metre as an annual average and 65 over 24 hours, set under the Air Pollution (Control) Rules 2022, according to the Department of Environment monthly air quality report. The PM10 limits are 50 a year and 150 over 24 hours.

The national standards are looser than the World Health Organization guideline of 5 micrograms a year for PM2.5. The department reports monthly against the national standards and publishes a daily air quality index for each city. Average exposure in Bangladesh was 69.3 in 2023, according to the World Bank, nearly twice the national annual limit.

Official sources: DoE: Air Quality Monthly Report, January 2026 (PDF) · World Bank: PM2.5 mean annual exposure, Bangladesh

What are Bangladesh's CO2 emissions per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 0.7 tonnes. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 1.5 tonnes, and Bangladesh placed 5th highest of 6. Worldwide: 140th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Bangladesh emit?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 221 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The peak was 223 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022 and the low 120 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 39.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Bangladesh placed 2nd highest of 6. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 35th highest.

What share of Bangladesh's energy comes from renewables?

In 2021, the renewable share of final energy use in Bangladesh was 25.0%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 41.8%, and Bangladesh placed 5th highest of 6. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 92nd highest.

How much of Bangladesh is forest?

14.4%: that is forest area as a share of land in Bangladesh for 2024, according to the FAO. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 5th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 29.4%. Worldwide: 135th of 190.

How polluted is the air in Bangladesh?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Bangladesh at 69.3 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 62.7 micrograms per cubic metre (2007) to 79.3 micrograms per cubic metre (2018). South Asia median: 41.6 micrograms per cubic metre; Bangladesh is 1st highest of 6. Worldwide: 3rd of 192.

What share of Bangladesh is protected land?

4.2%: that is the share of land in protected areas in Bangladesh for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. No year since 2013 has been lower. It is 5th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 15.7%. Worldwide: 170th of 192.

What is water stress in Bangladesh?

In 2022, water stress in Bangladesh was 5.7%, according to the FAO. It has not changed since 2008. South Asia median: 12.0%; Bangladesh is 5th highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 116th of 175.