Bolivia: environment

What are the CO2 emissions of Bolivia?

Bolivia emitted 2.29 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, excluding land use, up from 1.99 in 2023, according to the World Bank. Total greenhouse gas emissions were 63.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to the same source.

The figures come from the EDGAR database and exclude land use, land-use change and forestry. Emissions and removals from forests are reported separately in Bolivia's national communications to the UN climate convention.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Bolivia · World Bank: Total greenhouse gas emissions, Bolivia

How much of Bolivia is forest?

Forests covered 50.2% of Bolivia's land area in 2024, down from 50.4% in 2023, according to FAO data published by the World Bank.

The FAO defines forest as land of more than half a hectare with trees over five metres tall and canopy cover above 10%. Forest use and land clearing are regulated by the Forest and Land Authority (ABT), and environmental policy is set by the Ministry of Environment and Water.

Official sources: World Bank: Forest area, Bolivia

What is the air quality like in Bolivia?

People in Bolivia were exposed to an average of 28.1 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre in 2023, down from 30.6 in 2022, according to the World Bank. The WHO annual guideline is 5 micrograms.

The figure is a modelled, population-weighted national average. Electricity reached 96.6% of the population in 2024, according to the World Bank.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 air pollution, Bolivia · World Bank: Access to electricity, Bolivia

How much CO2 does Bolivia emit per person?

2.3 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Bolivia for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 2.3 tonnes, and Bolivia placed 18th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 98th of 186.

What are Bolivia's emissions?

63.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Bolivia for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 9th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 19.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 68th highest.

What share of Bolivia's energy comes from renewables?

In 2021, the renewable share of final energy use in Bolivia was 12.8%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 18.9%, and Bolivia placed 22nd highest of 33. Worldwide: 128th of 191.

What share of Bolivia is covered by forest?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 50.2%. No year since 2005 has been lower. Latin America & Caribbean median: 50.6%; Bolivia is 17th highest of 32. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 52nd highest.

What is air pollution like in Bolivia?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Bolivia was 28.1 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 25.2 micrograms per cubic metre (2013) to 66.5 micrograms per cubic metre (2005). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 15.7 micrograms per cubic metre, and Bolivia placed 5th highest of 33. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 54th highest.

How much of Bolivia's land is protected?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 30.9%. That is the highest since at least 2013. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 20.1%, and Bolivia placed 5th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 30th of 192.

How much of Bolivia's fresh water is used?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 0.2%. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 7.7%; Bolivia is 32nd highest of 32. Worldwide: 172nd of 175.