North Korea: environment

What are the CO2 emissions of North Korea?

North Korea emitted 2.50 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, excluding land use, according to World Bank data. Total greenhouse gas emissions were 91.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to the World Bank greenhouse gas series.

Both figures come from the EDGAR database of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, which estimates emissions from energy use, industry, agriculture and waste using international activity data. They exclude land use, land-use change and forestry.

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

How many people in North Korea have electricity?

61.4% of North Korea's population had access to electricity in 2024, according to World Bank data. Renewable sources produced 63.1% of the country's electricity in 2021, according to the renewable electricity output series.

Access figures come from the tracking report of the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, based on surveys and models. Access means a household has an electricity connection; it does not show how many hours a day power is supplied. No official energy statistics were found on the official DPRK sites naenara.com.kp, kcna.kp, rodong.rep.kp and mfa.gov.kp, which returned errors or could not be reached when checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: Access to electricity, DPRK · World Bank: Renewable electricity output, DPRK

What is the air quality like in North Korea?

The average person in North Korea was exposed to 21.8 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre of air in 2023, according to World Bank data. The WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 is 5 micrograms per cubic metre.

The estimate is a population-weighted annual mean, modelled from satellite observations, chemical transport models and ground measurements where available, so it describes long-term exposure rather than daily air quality in Pyongyang or other cities. No national air quality monitoring data were found on the official DPRK sites naenara.com.kp, kcna.kp, rodong.rep.kp and mfa.gov.kp, which returned errors or could not be reached when checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 mean annual exposure, DPRK

How much of North Korea is covered by forest?

Forest covered 64.1% of North Korea's land area in 2024, according to World Bank data from the FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment.

The FAO counts land of more than half a hectare with trees taller than 5 metres and canopy cover above 10%, excluding land used mainly for farming or settlements. The assessment relies on figures reported by national forestry authorities. Changes in the share over time show net forest loss or gain rather than the condition of the forest.

Official sources: World Bank: Forest area, DPRK

What is North Korea's carbon footprint per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 2.5 tonnes. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.3 tonnes (2015) to 3.3 tonnes (2006). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1 tonnes, and North Korea placed 15th highest of 30. Worldwide: 95th of 186.

What are North Korea's total greenhouse gas emissions?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in North Korea was 91.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 111 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; its low point was 2015, at 59.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. East Asia & Pacific median: 45.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; North Korea is 12th highest of 30. Worldwide: 58th of 186.

What share of North Korea's energy comes from renewables?

The IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO puts the renewable share of final energy use in North Korea at 14.7% in 2021. The peak was 24.0% in 2016 and the low 9.0% in 2006. East Asia & Pacific median: 14.9%; North Korea is 16th highest of 30. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 124th highest.

What is North Korea's forest cover?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 64.1%. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 53.6%, and North Korea placed 10th highest of 29. Worldwide: 22nd of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in North Korea?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in North Korea was 21.8 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Since 2005 it has ranged from 20.8 micrograms per cubic metre (2022) to 31.4 micrograms per cubic metre (2014). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 11.7 micrograms per cubic metre, and North Korea placed 9th highest of 30. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 74th highest.

What share of North Korea is protected land?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 2.4%. The figure has been the same every year since 2013. It is 27th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 15.8%. Worldwide: 179th of 192.

Is North Korea short of water?

According to the FAO, water stress in North Korea was 27.7% in 2022. It has not changed since 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 13.1%; North Korea is 8th highest of 20. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 58th highest.