Belgium: environment

What are the greenhouse gas emissions of Belgium?

Belgium emitted 98.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, according to Eurostat greenhouse gas data. The total was 97.8 million tonnes in 2023 and 145.5 million tonnes in 1990.

The figures come from Belgium's national inventory reported under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the EU climate rules, compiled with the three regions. They cover carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. The Climate Change Service publishes the inventory and its breakdown by sector.

Official sources: Eurostat: greenhouse gas emissions by source sector

How much of Belgium's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources supplied 14.9% of Belgium's gross final energy consumption in 2025, up from 14.3% in 2024, according to Eurostat.

The share covers electricity, heating and cooling and transport, as defined under the EU Renewable Energy Directive. Renewable sources include wind, solar, biomass and heat pumps. The Federal Planning Bureau publishes physical energy flow accounts, and the regions publish their own energy balances.

Official sources: Eurostat: share of renewable energy

Where can I check air quality in Belgium?

Air quality measurements and forecasts for Belgium are published by IRCEL-CELINE, the interregional environment cell run jointly by the Flemish, Walloon and Brussels environment agencies.

Its site shows current concentrations of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone from the regional monitoring networks, together with an air quality index and smog warnings. The three regions publish annual air quality reports. Historical comparisons with other EU countries are available from the European Environment Agency.

Official sources: IRCEL-CELINE: air quality in Belgium

What are Belgium's CO2 emissions per person?

In 2024, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Belgium was 7.3 tonnes, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Since 2005 it has ranged from 7.3 tonnes (2023) to 11.4 tonnes (2005). Europe & Central Asia median: 5.1 tonnes; Belgium is 8th highest of 46. Worldwide: 28th of 186.

What are Belgium's total greenhouse gas emissions?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 108 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The peak was 144 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2005 and the low 107 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023. Europe & Central Asia median: 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Belgium is 14th highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 49th highest.

What share of Belgium's energy comes from renewables?

11.7%: that is the renewable share of final energy use in Belgium for 2021, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 12.3%; its low point was 2005, at 2.5%. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.4%; Belgium is 42nd highest of 50. World rank, highest first: 136th of 191.

What is Belgium's forest cover?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 22.0%. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 35th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 33.2%. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 117th highest.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Belgium?

8.4 micrograms per cubic metre: that is average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Belgium for 2023, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre, and Belgium placed 41st highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 165th of 192.

How much of Belgium's land is protected?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Belgium was 16.4% in 2025. Its high point since 2013 was 2019, at 24.9%; its low point was 2020, at 15.4%. Europe & Central Asia median: 22.1%; Belgium is 36th highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 105th highest.

Is Belgium short of water?

52.8%: that is water stress in Belgium for 2022, according to the FAO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 49.1% (2015) to 78.5% (2005). It is 6th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 12.6%. Worldwide: 33rd of 175.