Kuwait: environment

What are Kuwait's carbon emissions?

Kuwait's CO2 emissions were 23.67 tonnes per person in 2024, excluding land use, according to the World Bank's CO2 emissions per capita series. Total greenhouse gas emissions were 173.33 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, up from 167.89 million in 2023, according to the total greenhouse gas series.

The figures are international estimates rather than a national inventory published on an official Kuwaiti site. Per-person figures divide national emissions, including those from oil and gas production for export, by the resident population. The Environment Public Authority site did not respond on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Kuwait · World Bank: Total greenhouse gas emissions, Kuwait

What is air quality like in Kuwait?

The mean annual exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Kuwait was 62.35 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, according to the World Bank's PM2.5 air pollution series. It was 74.50 in 2022 and 61.97 in 2021.

PM2.5 is fine particulate matter that can be breathed deep into the lungs. The figure is a modelled national average and does not show daily or local conditions, which can change sharply with weather. The Meteorological Department publishes daily forecasts and weather warnings; the Environment Public Authority, which monitors air quality, did not respond on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure, Kuwait

How much rain does Kuwait get?

147.4 mm of rain fell at Kuwait International Airport in 2023, according to the Meteorological Department's climate page. January was the wettest month, with 73.1 mm. Annual totals vary widely: 32.3 mm in 2021, 114.3 mm in 2022 and 344.1 mm in 2018.

Most rain falls between November and April, often in a few heavy storms. In 2018, 261.8 mm fell in November alone. The Meteorological Department's rainfall table for the airport starts in 2017.

Official sources: climate page

How many dust storms does Kuwait have?

Kuwait International Airport recorded 1 day of dust storm, 53 days of blowing dust, 58 days of dust haze and 305 days of haze in 2023, according to the Meteorological Department's climate page. There were 4 dust storm days in 2022 and 18 in 2018.

The categories are weather observations and a single day can fall in more than one. The department explains that dust storms are most common in early summer, when the hot, dry north-westerly Semoom winds blow. Average maximum temperatures in this period range between 42 and 46°C.

Official sources: climate page

Where does Kuwait get its water?

Kuwait's freshwater withdrawals were 3,850.5% of its renewable freshwater resources in 2022, according to the FAO figures on World Bank Open Data. A value above 100% means a country uses far more water than its natural renewable supply.

Kuwait has no rivers or lakes and almost no renewable water, so most drinking water is produced by desalinating seawater, much of it in combined power and water plants run by the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy. The rest is brackish groundwater and treated wastewater. 100% of the population used safely managed drinking water in 2024, WHO and UNICEF estimate.

Official sources: World Bank Open Data · WHO and UNICEF estimate

How much CO2 does Kuwait emit per person?

In 2024, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Kuwait was 23.7 tonnes, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Since 2005 it has ranged from 21.1 tonnes (2020) to 34.5 tonnes (2005). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.6 tonnes; Kuwait is 3rd highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 4th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Kuwait emit?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in Kuwait at 173 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Kuwait is 8th highest of 22. Worldwide: 39th of 186.

What share of Kuwait's energy comes from renewables?

The latest figure from the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, for 2021, is 0.1%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.4%; Kuwait is 17th highest of 22. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 184th highest.

What share of Kuwait is covered by forest?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Kuwait was 0.4%, according to the FAO. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 1.6%, and Kuwait placed 17th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 185th of 190.

What is air pollution like in Kuwait?

62.3 micrograms per cubic metre: that is average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Kuwait for 2023, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 74.5 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2014, at 50.6 micrograms per cubic metre. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre; Kuwait is 3rd highest of 22. Worldwide: 6th of 192.

What share of Kuwait is protected land?

The UN Environment Programme puts the share of land in protected areas in Kuwait at 17.1% in 2025. The peak was 18.8% in 2013 and the low 17.0% in 2023. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 9.8%, and Kuwait placed 7th highest of 22. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 99th highest.

How much of Kuwait's fresh water is used?

3850.5%: that is water stress in Kuwait for 2022, according to the FAO. That is the highest since at least 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 116.7%; Kuwait is 1st highest of 21. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 1st highest.