Belarus: environment

What are Belarus's greenhouse gas emissions?

Belarus emitted 86.7 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, down from 92.0 million in 2021, according to Environmental Protection in the Republic of Belarus, 2026 by the National Statistical Committee (Belstat). Including land use and forestry, net emissions were 47.8 million tonnes.

Energy produced 52.6 million tonnes, agriculture 21.2 million, waste 7.2 million and industrial processes about 5.7 million. The net figure is lower because land use and forests absorb carbon dioxide. The data come from the national greenhouse gas inventory.

Official sources: Environmental Protection in the Republic of Belarus, 2026

What are Belarus' CO2 emissions per person?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts carbon dioxide emissions per person in Belarus at 5.9 tonnes in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 5.9 tonnes (2023) to 7.0 tonnes (2010). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 5.1 tonnes, and Belarus placed 17th highest of 46. Worldwide: 40th of 186.

What are Belarus' emissions?

In 2024, total greenhouse gas emissions in Belarus was 87.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Its high point since 2005 was 2010, at 98.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; its low point was 2023, at 86.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Belarus placed 17th highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 59th highest.

What share of Belarus' energy comes from renewables?

According to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, the renewable share of final energy use in Belarus was 8.2% in 2021. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 8.4%; its low point was 2014, at 6.7%. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.4%; Belarus is 45th highest of 50. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 152nd highest.

What is Belarus' forest cover?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 44.1%. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 33.2%; Belarus is 10th highest of 51. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 61st highest.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Belarus?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Belarus was 12.0 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. The peak was 21.8 micrograms per cubic metre in 2005 and the low 11.4 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022. It is 30th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre. World rank, highest first: 140th of 192.

How much of Belarus is in national parks and reserves?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Belarus was 9.2% in 2025. The peak was 13.8% in 2021 and the low 8.3% in 2013. Europe & Central Asia median: 22.1%; Belarus is 48th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 146th of 192.

How much of Belarus' fresh water is used?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 4.7%. The peak was 5.6% in 2005 and the low 4.4% in 2020. It is 36th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 12.6%. World rank, highest first: 123rd of 175.