Estonia: environment

What are the CO2 emissions of Estonia?

Estonia emitted 10.24 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in CO2 equivalent in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, down from 10.89 million tonnes in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The figures come from the national greenhouse gas inventory reported under EU and UN climate rules and cover all greenhouse gases, not only carbon dioxide. Dividing by a population of about 1.36 million gives roughly 7.5 tonnes per person.

Official sources: Eurostat: Greenhouse gas emissions by source sector

How much of Estonia's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources supplied 42.3% of gross final energy consumption in Estonia in 2025, a provisional figure, about the same as 42.2% in 2024, according to Eurostat. The EU average was 26.2%.

The indicator covers electricity, heating and cooling, and transport together. Eurostat revises provisional figures when final energy balances are available. The Ministry of Climate is responsible for renewable energy policy.

Official sources: Eurostat: Share of energy from renewable sources

What is Estonia's carbon footprint per person?

In 2024, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Estonia was 7.8 tonnes, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 6th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.1 tonnes. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 26th highest.

What are Estonia's total greenhouse gas emissions?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in Estonia at 14.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Estonia placed 38th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 129th of 186.

How much of Estonia's energy is renewable?

According to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, the renewable share of final energy use in Estonia was 38.0% in 2021. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 40.4%; its low point was 2006, at 17.2%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 20.4%, and Estonia placed 10th highest of 50. Worldwide: 64th of 191.

What is Estonia's forest cover?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Estonia was 57.2%, according to the FAO. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 33.2%, and Estonia placed 5th highest of 51. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 37th highest.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Estonia?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Estonia at 5.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre, and Estonia placed 47th highest of 51. Worldwide: 179th of 192.

How much of Estonia is in national parks and reserves?

In 2025, the share of land in protected areas in Estonia was 21.6%, according to the UN Environment Programme. Since 2013 it has ranged from 20.1% (2013) to 22.0% (2024). Europe & Central Asia median: 22.1%; Estonia is 28th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 73rd of 192.

How much of Estonia's fresh water is used?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 13.0%. The peak was 20.3% in 2011 and the low 9.2% in 2020. It is 23rd highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 12.6%. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 78th highest.