Iran: environment

How much CO2 does Iran emit?

Iran emitted 829.0 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, up from 816.1 million in 2023, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators. That is about 9.1 tonnes per person, according to the World Bank per capita series.

Emissions have risen each year since 2021, when they were 784.3 million tonnes. Renewables were 0.9% of final energy consumption in 2021, according to the World Bank. The figures follow international datasets, not Iran's own inventory.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions excluding LULUCF, Iran · World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Iran · World Bank: renewable energy consumption, Iran

How bad is air pollution in Iran?

Average exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) in Iran was 40.2 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, down from 43.9 in 2022, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators. The World Health Organization guideline is 5.

The figure is a population-weighted national average estimated from satellite and ground data, so it does not show peaks in particular cities or seasons. City-level readings are published by Iranian environmental and municipal authorities, whose websites could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

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

Is Iran running out of water?

Iran withdrew 81.3% of its available renewable freshwater resources in 2022, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators, which use FAO data.

The level of water stress compares the water taken for farming, industry and homes with the freshwater that is renewed each year, after allowing for the water that rivers and wetlands need. A level above 75% is classed as high stress under the UN Sustainable Development Goal indicator.

Official sources: World Bank: level of water stress, Iran

How much of Iran is covered by forest?

Forest covered 6.6% of Iran's land area in 2024, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators, which use FAO data. The share has been unchanged since at least 2021.

FAO estimates are updated every few years, so an unchanged figure can reflect the timing of updates rather than no change on the ground. The data are supplied to FAO by national forestry authorities.

Official sources: World Bank: forest area, Iran

How much of Iran's electricity is renewable?

Renewable sources produced 4.2% of Iran's electricity in 2021, down from 9.8% in 2019, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators. Renewables were 0.9% of final energy consumption, according to the World Bank.

The share has moved between years, from 5.4% in 2018 to 6.8% in 2020. The World Bank series lags several years, so it does not show solar and wind capacity added since 2021.

Official sources: World Bank: renewable electricity output, Iran · World Bank: renewable energy consumption, Iran

What is Iran's carbon footprint per person?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Iran was 9.1 tonnes in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 3.6 tonnes, and Iran placed 7th highest of 22. Worldwide: 20th of 186.

What are Iran's total greenhouse gas emissions?

1,055 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Iran for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Iran placed 1st highest of 22. Worldwide: 8th of 186.

How much of Iran's energy is renewable?

The latest figure from the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, for 2021, is 0.9%. The peak was 1.4% in 2005 and the low 0.7% in 2008. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.4%; Iran is 16th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 180th of 191.

What is Iran's forest cover?

The FAO puts forest area as a share of land in Iran at 6.6% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 4th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.6%. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 162nd highest.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Iran?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Iran at 40.2 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. The peak was 43.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 and the low 35.1 micrograms per cubic metre in 2005. It is 12th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre. World rank, highest first: 23rd of 192.

How much of Iran's land is protected?

7.8%: that is the share of land in protected areas in Iran for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. Since 2013 it has ranged from 7.2% (2013) to 8.6% (2016). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 9.8%; Iran is 13th highest of 22. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 155th highest.

Is Iran short of water?

81.3%: that is water stress in Iran for 2022, according to the FAO. It has not changed since 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 116.7%, and Iran placed 15th highest of 21. Worldwide: 21st of 175.