Latvia: environment

What are Latvia's greenhouse gas emissions?

Latvia emitted 9.63 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in CO2 equivalent in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, down from 9.90 million tonnes in 2023, according to Eurostat figures from the national inventory. That is about 5.2 tonnes per resident.

The inventory is compiled by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre and reported to the EU and the UN. Including land use, land-use change and forestry changes the total, because Latvia's forests and soils can absorb or release carbon. The CSB publishes emissions by municipality on its Climate Change Dashboard.

Official sources: Eurostat: Greenhouse gas emissions by source sector

How much of Latvia's energy is renewable?

Renewables supplied 45.5% of Latvia's gross final energy consumption in 2024, against a 2030 target of 61.0%, and 74.8% of the electricity generated in Latvia in 2025, according to the Central Statistical Bureau. Hydropower produced 2,957 GWh and solar 994 GWh of renewable electricity in 2025.

Fuelwood made up 77.1% of renewable energy consumption. Eurostat's renewable energy share data give a provisional 46.3% for 2025, against 26.2% for the EU. Electricity generated in Latvia is not the same as electricity consumed, as Latvia also imports power.

Official sources: CSB: Last year Latvia recorded its highest renewable energy consumption in ten years · Eurostat: Renewable energy share

What are Latvia's CO2 emissions per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 3.6 tonnes. The peak was 4.2 tonnes in 2010 and the low 3.6 tonnes in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 5.1 tonnes, and Latvia placed 37th highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 70th highest.

How much greenhouse gas does Latvia emit?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 11.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 40th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 135th highest.

How much renewable energy does Latvia use?

The latest figure from the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, for 2021, is 44.0%. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.4%; Latvia is 6th highest of 50. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 55th highest.

What share of Latvia is covered by forest?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Latvia was 55.6%, according to the FAO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 33.2%, and Latvia placed 6th highest of 51. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 40th highest.

How polluted is the air in Latvia?

The latest figure from the Global Burden of Disease study, for 2023, is 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre, and Latvia placed 26th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 134th of 192.

What share of Latvia is protected land?

18.8%: that is the share of land in protected areas in Latvia for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. That is the highest since at least 2013. Europe & Central Asia median: 22.1%; Latvia is 32nd highest of 51. Worldwide: 89th of 192.

How much of Latvia's fresh water is used?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 1.0%. The peak was 2.3% in 2009 and the low 1.0% in 2014. Europe & Central Asia median: 12.6%; Latvia is 46th highest of 47. Worldwide: 160th of 175.