Lebanon: environment

How polluted is the air in Lebanon?

People in Lebanon were exposed to an average of 26.7 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre of air in 2023, according to the World Bank.

PM2.5 are particles small enough to reach deep into the lungs. The figure is a population-weighted annual average, estimated from satellite data and models, so it reflects where people live rather than one monitoring station. Lower values mean cleaner air. No national air-quality series was found on the Ministry of Environment site, checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 air pollution

What are Lebanon's carbon emissions?

Lebanon's carbon dioxide emissions were 1.90 tonnes per person in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, according to the World Bank.

Per-person emissions divide a country's total CO2 output, mostly from burning fuel for power and transport, by its population. Since Lebanon's population is itself an estimate, the per-person figure is approximate. The World Bank series excludes emissions and removals from land use, land-use change and forestry.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per person

How much of Lebanon's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources supplied 6.8% of Lebanon's total final energy consumption in 2021, according to the World Bank. This is the latest year available.

Final energy consumption is the energy used by homes, businesses and transport, including electricity, fuel and heat. The renewable share counts sources such as hydropower, solar, wind and biomass. It covers all energy, not only electricity, so it is lower than the renewable share of electricity alone. No newer national figure was found on the Ministry of Environment site, checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: renewable energy consumption

What are Lebanon's CO2 emissions per person?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Lebanon was 1.9 tonnes in 2024. The peak was 4.8 tonnes in 2017 and the low 1.8 tonnes in 2022. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 3.6 tonnes, and Lebanon placed 16th highest of 22. Worldwide: 105th of 186.

What are Lebanon's total greenhouse gas emissions?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 18.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The peak was 35.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2017 and the low 17.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Lebanon is 20th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 122nd of 186.

How much renewable energy does Lebanon use?

According to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, the renewable share of final energy use in Lebanon was 6.8% in 2021. The peak was 7.3% in 2007 and the low 4.0% in 2016. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 3.4%, and Lebanon placed 8th highest of 22. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 154th highest.

How much of Lebanon is forest?

13.8%: that is forest area as a share of land in Lebanon for 2024, according to the FAO. No year since 2005 has been higher. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 1.6%; Lebanon is 1st highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 136th of 190.

What is air pollution like in Lebanon?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Lebanon at 26.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. The peak was 28.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2010 and the low 24.4 micrograms per cubic metre in 2014. It is 16th 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, 57th highest.

What share of Lebanon is protected land?

The UN Environment Programme puts the share of land in protected areas in Lebanon at 13.0% in 2025. No year since 2013 has been higher. It is 10th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 9.8%. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 131st highest.

How much of Lebanon's fresh water is used?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 58.8%. No year since 2005 has been higher. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 116.7%; Lebanon is 18th highest of 21. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 30th highest.