Belize: environment

How much of Belize's electricity is renewable?

Renewable sources made up 38% of Belize's electricity mix in 2023, down from 52.9% in 2022, according to the Belize Energy Report 2023. Electricity imports from Mexico's CFE provided nearly half of the power supply, up by about a third from 323 GWh in 2022.

Hydro-electric plants led renewable production. The report says the country's target is 75% renewable generation. Across all energy uses, biomass, mainly bagasse from the sugar industry, is the largest renewable source. Energy-sector greenhouse gas emissions were 845.9 Gg CO2 equivalent in 2019, according to the report.

Official sources: Belize Energy Report 2023 (PDF)

How much CO2 does Belize emit per person?

In 2024, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Belize was 0.9 tonnes, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 1.0 tonnes; its low point was 2011, at 0.5 tonnes. It is 31st highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 2.3 tonnes. World rank, highest first: 130th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Belize emit?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in Belize was 1.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 26th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 19.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. World rank, highest first: 166th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Belize use?

The latest figure from the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, for 2022, is 30.8%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 25.1% (2009) to 47.9% (2012). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 7.2%, and Belize placed 1st highest of 10. Worldwide: 27th of 53.

What is Belize's forest cover?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Belize was 58.0%, according to the FAO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 8th highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 50.6%. World rank, highest first: 33rd of 190.

How polluted is the air in Belize?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Belize was 16.8 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. The peak was 20.1 micrograms per cubic metre in 2020 and the low 14.4 micrograms per cubic metre in 2016. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 15.7 micrograms per cubic metre, and Belize placed 14th highest of 33. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 101st highest.

What share of Belize is protected land?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 37.3%. Since 2013 it has ranged from 36.8% (2013) to 37.7% (2016). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 20.1%, and Belize placed 2nd highest of 33. Worldwide: 20th of 192.

What is water stress in Belize?

In 2022, water stress in Belize was 1.3%, according to the FAO. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 7.7%, and Belize placed 30th highest of 32. World rank, highest first: 158th of 175.