Palau: environment

How much of Palau's ocean is protected?

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary, which took full effect in 2020, set aside 80% of Palau's exclusive economic zone as a no-take area, according to the President's State of the Republic Address of July 2026.

The address says the government has sent a reform package to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (Congress) proposing that protection focus on a zone of 50 nautical miles around the reefs, about 30% of the EEZ, with management of the whole zone. Congress must decide on any change. The address cites a study using Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission catch data on the fall in tuna catches since the sanctuary began. The FY2027 budget proposal raises the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment's budget by 25% to USD 3.3 million.

Official sources: Office of the President: State of the Republic Address, 22 July 2026 (PDF) · Olbiil Era Kelulau

How much CO2 does Palau emit per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 82.8 tonnes. The peak was 202.9 tonnes in 2012 and the low 64.3 tonnes in 2016. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.1 tonnes; Palau is 1st highest of 30. Worldwide: 1st of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Palau emit?

1.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Palau for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2016) to 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2012). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 45.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Palau placed 21st highest of 30. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 165th highest.

What share of Palau's energy comes from renewables?

According to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, the renewable share of final energy use in Palau was 0.9% in 2022. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 18.6%, and Palau placed 14th highest of 14. World rank, highest first: 52nd of 53.

What is Palau's forest cover?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Palau was 90.8%, according to the FAO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 87.1% (2005) to 90.8% (2023). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 53.6%, and Palau placed 2nd highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 4th of 190.

How polluted is the air in Palau?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Palau was 4.9 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.4 micrograms per cubic metre (2020) to 7.9 micrograms per cubic metre (2015). East Asia & Pacific median: 11.7 micrograms per cubic metre; Palau is 24th highest of 30. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 184th highest.

How much of Palau's land is protected?

In 2025, the share of land in protected areas in Palau was 31.4%, according to the UN Environment Programme. Since 2013 it has ranged from 16.0% (2013) to 44.2% (2019). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 15.8%, and Palau placed 4th highest of 30. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 28th highest.