Greece: environment

What are Greece's CO2 emissions?

Greece emitted 52.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, up from 51.2 million tonnes in 2023 and down from 55.1 million in 2022, according to the World Bank.

With a population of about 10.4 million, that is roughly 5 tonnes per person. This counts CO2 only; other greenhouse gases such as methane are reported separately. Greece's official greenhouse gas inventory is compiled by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, whose website blocked automated access on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions excluding LULUCF

How much of Greece's energy is renewable?

Renewables supplied 26.9% of Greece's gross final energy consumption in 2025 and 60.9% of its electricity, according to Eurostat. The electricity share was 51.2% in 2024 and 42.4% in 2022.

The electricity share counts solar, wind, hydro and biomass. The energy share is lower because it also covers transport and heating, which rely more on oil. The figures follow the EU renewable energy directive's accounting rules.

Official sources: Eurostat: Share of energy from renewable sources (nrg_ind_ren)

How clean is the air in Greece?

People in Greece were exposed to an average of 14.1 micrograms of fine particles (PM2.5) per cubic metre of air in 2023, down from 16.3 in 2022, according to the World Bank.

The figure is a modelled, population-weighted annual average. The World Health Organization's guideline for annual exposure is 5 micrograms. Local readings vary by place and season. Station readings are published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, whose site blocked automated access on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 mean annual exposure

How much CO2 does Greece emit per person?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Greece was 5.0 tonnes in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.9 tonnes (2020) to 9.6 tonnes (2007). It is 24th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.1 tonnes. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 49th highest.

What are Greece's total greenhouse gas emissions?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in Greece was 71.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 128 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; its low point was 2023, at 70.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. It is 18th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Worldwide: 64th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Greece use?

21.5%: that is the renewable share of final energy use in Greece for 2021, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 20.4%, and Greece placed 23rd highest of 50. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 102nd highest.

What share of Greece is covered by forest?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Greece was 36.9%, according to the FAO. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 33.2%, and Greece placed 18th highest of 51. Worldwide: 79th of 190.

What is air pollution like in Greece?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Greece was 14.1 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. 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 Greece placed 23rd highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 124th highest.

What share of Greece is protected land?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 35.0%. That is the lowest since at least 2013. It is 11th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 22.1%. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 23rd highest.

What is water stress in Greece?

20.3%: that is water stress in Greece for 2022, according to the FAO. The peak was 20.5% in 2016 and the low 19.5% in 2007. Europe & Central Asia median: 12.6%; Greece is 20th highest of 47. Worldwide: 67th of 175.