Hungary: environment

How much greenhouse gas does Hungary emit?

Hungarian industries and households emitted 69.1 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, in CO2 equivalent, in 2024, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) air emissions accounts. That compares with 69.9 million tonnes in 2023 and 79.9 million in 2021.

Manufacturing emitted 10.9 million tonnes, electricity and heat supply 10.6 million, and households 20.8 million. Air emissions accounts count emissions by Hungarian residents, including transport abroad, so they differ from the national inventory reported under the UN climate convention.

Official sources: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) air emissions accounts

How much of Hungary's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources supplied 19.6% of Hungary's gross final energy consumption in 2025, up from 18.3% in 2024 and 15.1% in 2022, according to Eurostat.

The share covers all energy use, including heating and transport, not only electricity, and it was 17.1% in 2023. Eurostat calculates it from the energy statistics each member state reports, using common EU rules, so countries can be compared. The EU measures each member state's progress towards its renewable energy target with this indicator.

Official sources: Eurostat

How bad is air pollution in Hungary?

Hungary emitted 31,000 tonnes of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 2024, down from 49,000 tonnes in 2000, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH). Households emitted 24,000 tonnes of it.

Nitrogen oxide emissions were 94,000 tonnes in 2024, against 246,000 in 1990. These are national emission totals, not the concentrations measured in the air; HungaroMet runs the national air quality network, which publishes readings for each monitoring station.

Official sources: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH)

How much electricity does Hungary use?

39.3 billion kWh of electricity was supplied to consumers in Hungary in 2024, up from 38.2 billion in 2023, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH). Households took 12.6 billion kWh.

The figures count electricity supplied to final users through the public network. The mix of sources used to generate Hungary's electricity, and the share imported, is published by the regulator MEKH.

Official sources: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH)

What are Hungary's CO2 emissions per person?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts carbon dioxide emissions per person in Hungary at 4.5 tonnes in 2024. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 28th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.1 tonnes. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 54th highest.

What are Hungary's emissions?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 60.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Hungary placed 20th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 69th of 186.

How much of Hungary's energy is renewable?

The latest figure from the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, for 2021, is 15.3%. Its high point since 2005 was 2013, at 17.2%; its low point was 2005, at 7.3%. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.4%; Hungary is 36th highest of 50. World rank, highest first: 120th of 191.

What share of Hungary is covered by forest?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 22.8%. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 33.2%; Hungary is 34th highest of 51. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 114th highest.

How polluted is the air in Hungary?

The latest figure from the Global Burden of Disease study, for 2023, is 13.7 micrograms per cubic metre. The peak was 23.6 micrograms per cubic metre in 2011 and the low 13.5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2020. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre, and Hungary placed 25th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 130th of 192.

What share of Hungary is protected land?

In 2025, the share of land in protected areas in Hungary was 22.3%, according to the UN Environment Programme. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2013. Europe & Central Asia median: 22.1%; Hungary is 24th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 67th of 192.

Is Hungary short of water?

In 2022, water stress in Hungary was 8.1%, according to the FAO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 6.8% (2014) to 11.0% (2009). Europe & Central Asia median: 12.6%; Hungary is 27th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 96th of 175.