Cameroon: environment

What are Cameroon's CO2 emissions per person?

Cameroon emitted about 0.35 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, according to the World Bank, excluding land use, land-use change and forestry. The figure was 0.36 tonnes in 2023.

The series counts emissions from burning fuel and from industrial processes. It leaves out emissions from forest clearing, so it understates the climate impact of land use in a country where forests cover about two-fifths of the land.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Cameroon

How bad is air pollution in Cameroon?

The average person in Cameroon was exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 55.6 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, according to the World Bank, down from 56.6 in 2022.

The figure is a population-weighted annual average estimated from satellite data and models, as ground monitoring is limited. It covers outdoor air only and does not include indoor smoke from cooking with wood and charcoal.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 exposure, Cameroon

How much of Cameroon is forest?

Forests covered 40.7% of Cameroon's land area in 2024, down from 41.0% in 2023, according to the World Bank, using UN Food and Agriculture Organization data.

The figures are estimates based on forest inventories and satellite data reported to the FAO. Forests, protected areas and logging permits are managed by the Ministry of Forests and Wildlife.

Official sources: World Bank: Forest area, Cameroon · MINFOF

How much of Cameroon's electricity is renewable?

Renewable sources produced 65.8% of Cameroon's electricity in 2021, the latest year in the World Bank series, down from 71.6% in 2020.

The share is of electricity generated in the country, and it changes from year to year with rainfall, which drives hydropower output. Data after 2021 had not been added to the series by 15 October 2026. 72.0% of people had access to electricity in 2024.

Official sources: World Bank: Renewable electricity output, Cameroon · World Bank: Access to electricity, Cameroon

How many people in Cameroon have clean water?

71.4% of people in Cameroon used at least a basic drinking water service in 2024, up from 70.7% in 2023, according to the World Bank, using WHO and UNICEF data.

A basic service means an improved source within a 30-minute round trip. It does not mean water is available at home all day or that it has been tested as safe. The national water utility's website could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: Basic drinking water services, Cameroon

How much CO2 does Cameroon emit per person?

0.4 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Cameroon for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. The peak was 0.4 tonnes in 2018 and the low 0.3 tonnes in 2006. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 0.4 tonnes; Cameroon is 25th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 157th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Cameroon emit?

40.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Cameroon for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 24.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Cameroon is 14th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 92nd of 186.

How much of Cameroon's energy is renewable?

In 2021, the renewable share of final energy use in Cameroon was 79.2%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 86.3%; its low point was 2014, at 76.9%. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 71.1%, and Cameroon placed 17th highest of 48. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 19th highest.

How much of Cameroon is forest?

The FAO puts forest area as a share of land in Cameroon at 40.7% in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 22.2%; Cameroon is 15th highest of 48. Worldwide: 69th of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Cameroon?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Cameroon at 55.6 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 61.7 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2005, at 51.5 micrograms per cubic metre. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 27.5 micrograms per cubic metre; Cameroon is 3rd highest of 48. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 10th highest.

How much of Cameroon is in national parks and reserves?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Cameroon was 11.0% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2013. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 16.9%, and Cameroon placed 35th highest of 48. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 141st highest.

How much of Cameroon's fresh water is used?

In 2022, water stress in Cameroon was 1.6%, according to the FAO. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 5.1%; Cameroon is 35th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 152nd of 175.