Nepal: environment

How bad is air pollution in Nepal?

The average person in Nepal was exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 53.2 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, up from 50.6 in 2022, according to the World Bank.

The figure is a population-weighted annual average estimated from satellite data and models. It hides large swings between seasons and between places, and it covers outdoor air only. Daily air quality readings from monitoring stations are run by the Department of Environment, whose website could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 exposure, Nepal

What are Nepal's CO2 emissions per person?

Nepal emitted about 0.54 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, according to the World Bank, excluding land use, land-use change and forestry. The figure was 0.52 tonnes in 2023.

The series counts emissions from burning fuel and from industrial processes such as cement making. It leaves out emissions and removals from forests. Per person, the figure is low by international standards.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Nepal

How much of Nepal is forest?

Forests cover 44.74% of Nepal's land, and protected areas 23.38%, according to the National Statistics Office's Nepal in Figures 2026. The World Bank, using UN Food and Agriculture Organization data, gives 43.6% for 2024, up from 43.5% in 2023.

The two figures come from different sources and methods. There are 12 national parks, 6 conservation areas and 10 Ramsar wetland sites. Forest policy is set by the Ministry of Forests and Environment.

Official sources: NSO: Nepal in Figures 2026 (PDF) · World Bank: Forest area, Nepal · Ministry of Forests and Environment

How much electricity does Nepal generate?

Nepal's installed electricity generating capacity was 4,105 MW in March 2026, up from 3,602 MW in 2024/25, according to the National Statistics Office's Nepal in Figures 2026, citing the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Economic Survey 2082/83.

Capacity has more than doubled since 2020/21, when it was 1,578 MW. Installed capacity is the maximum the plants can produce, not the amount generated, which depends on how much the plants run. 97.9% of people had access to electricity in 2024.

Official sources: NSO: Nepal in Figures 2026 (PDF) · World Bank: Access to electricity, Nepal

Who issues weather and flood warnings in Nepal?

Weather forecasts and flood warnings in Nepal are issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

The National Statistics Office's Nepal in Figures 2026 and its Compendium of Environment Statistics 2026 publish longer-term environmental data. The national disaster information portal, BIPAD, could not be reached on 15 October 2026, so no official count of 2026 monsoon losses is given here.

Official sources: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology · NSO: Nepal in Figures 2026 (PDF)

What are Nepal's CO2 emissions per person?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Nepal was 0.5 tonnes in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.1 tonnes (2006) to 0.6 tonnes (2021). Across South Asia the middle value was 1.5 tonnes, and Nepal placed 6th highest of 6. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 148th highest.

What are Nepal's emissions?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in Nepal at 41.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 50.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; its low point was 2006, at 29.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. South Asia median: 39.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Nepal is 3rd highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 89th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Nepal use?

73.7%: that is the renewable share of final energy use in Nepal for 2021, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. The peak was 91.3% in 2007 and the low 73.1% in 2020. Across South Asia the middle value was 41.8%, and Nepal placed 2nd highest of 6. Worldwide: 24th of 191.

How much of Nepal is forest?

The FAO puts forest area as a share of land in Nepal at 43.6% in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. South Asia median: 29.4%; Nepal is 2nd highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 62nd of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Nepal?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Nepal was 53.2 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at 59.5 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2005, at 42.5 micrograms per cubic metre. Across South Asia the middle value was 41.6 micrograms per cubic metre, and Nepal placed 3rd highest of 6. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 12th highest.

What share of Nepal is protected land?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 23.6%. No year since 2013 has been higher. South Asia median: 15.7%; Nepal is 3rd highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 54th of 192.

Is Nepal short of water?

The FAO puts water stress in Nepal at 8.3% in 2022. It has not changed since 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 12.0%, and Nepal placed 4th highest of 6. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 95th highest.