Israel: environment

How much greenhouse gas does Israel emit?

Israel emitted 78.1 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, in CO2 equivalent, in 2024, up from 76.9 million in 2023, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025. Per person, emissions excluding forestry were 8.0 tonnes, similar to 2023, against an OECD average of 10.4 tonnes.

The data come from the Ministry of Environmental Protection's inventory. The inventory counts emissions produced in Israel, not those in imported goods.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025

Where does Israel get its electricity?

Natural gas supplied 72.9% of the energy used to produce electricity in Israel in 2024, coal 18.8% and renewable energy 7.5%, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025, based on Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure data. In 2023 coal was 22.2% and renewables 6.6%.

The shares are of energy inputs to power stations, which differs from shares of electricity generated, because solar power has no fuel losses. Final consumption of electricity was 66.9 billion kWh in 2024, 3.8% more than in 2023. Most of the gas comes from Israel's offshore fields.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025

How much of Israel's water comes from desalination?

Israel desalinated 587 million cubic metres of sea water in 2023, up from 540 million in 2022, according to Water Authority data in the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025. Total water use was 2.4 billion cubic metres, and 595 million cubic metres of treated sewage was reused.

Agriculture used 52.3% of water and households, the public and industry 45.9%. Much of the farm supply is reclaimed sewage, while desalinated water goes mainly to drinking supply. The Dead Sea level was 439.7 metres below sea level in December 2024, 1.2 metres lower than a year earlier.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025

How bad is air pollution in Israel?

Israel emitted 61,500 tonnes of nitrogen oxides in 2024, down from 66,300 tonnes in 2023, and 16,500 tonnes of sulphur dioxide, down from 18,100, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025. Suspended particulate matter emissions were 2,700 tonnes.

These are national emission totals from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, not the concentrations people breathe, which vary by place and day and are reported by the ministry's monitoring stations. Carbon monoxide emissions were 127,200 tonnes, against 125,700 in 2023.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025

How much rain does Israel get?

Rain over Israel totalled 6.99 billion cubic metres in the 2023/24 rain year, above the 1991-2020 average of 6.13 billion and up from 5.82 billion in 2022/23, according to Israel Meteorological Service data in the Central Bureau of Statistics booklet Israel in Figures 2025.

Rainfall varies widely from north to south: in 2024 the highest annual amount was 1,277 mm at Harashim in the Galilee and the lowest 11 mm at Timna and Paran in the Arava. The highest temperature recorded in 2024 was 48.1°C at Gilgal in the Jordan Valley. The rain year runs from October to September.

Official sources: Israel in Figures 2025

What are Israel's CO2 emissions per person?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Israel was 5.8 tonnes in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 3.6 tonnes, and Israel placed 9th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 41st of 186.

What are Israel's emissions?

76.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Israel for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Since 2005 it has ranged from 72.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2005) to 90.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2012). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Israel is 13th highest of 22. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 61st highest.

How much of Israel's energy is renewable?

The IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO puts the renewable share of final energy use in Israel at 6.2% in 2021. Since 2005 it has ranged from 2.9% (2012) to 9.1% (2011). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 3.4%, and Israel placed 9th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 155th of 191.

What share of Israel is covered by forest?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 6.8%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 6.5% (2020) to 7.6% (2015). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 1.6%; Israel is 3rd highest of 22. Worldwide: 160th of 190.

What is air pollution like in Israel?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Israel at 21.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. The peak was 27.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2005 and the low 19.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2016. It is 17th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 71st highest.

How much of Israel is in national parks and reserves?

27.6%: that is the share of land in protected areas in Israel for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2013. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 9.8%, and Israel placed 3rd highest of 22. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 45th highest.

How much of Israel's fresh water is used?

The FAO puts water stress in Israel at 132.0% in 2021. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 120.5%, and Israel placed 10th highest of 22. Of 176 countries with 2021 data, 11th highest.