Poland: environment

What are Poland's CO2 emissions per person?

Poland emitted 7.55 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, excluding land use and forestry, according to the World Bank, down from 7.65 tonnes in 2023 and 8.36 tonnes in 2022.

The figure counts CO2 from fuel burning and industrial processes within Poland, not emissions embodied in imports. The official national greenhouse gas inventory, covering all gases, is compiled by KOBiZE.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Poland · KOBiZE

How bad is air pollution in Poland?

The average Polish resident was exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 16.5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, according to the World Bank, compared with 15.9 in 2022 and 18.6 in 2021.

The figure is a population-weighted annual average estimated from satellite data and models, so it hides peaks during the winter heating season. For current readings at individual stations, the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection's air quality portal publishes hourly measurements of PM10, PM2.5 and other pollutants and an air quality index.

Official sources: World Bank: PM2.5 mean annual exposure, Poland · GIOŚ: Air quality portal

What share of Poland's energy is renewable?

Renewable sources made up 17.8% of Poland's gross final energy consumption in 2024, compared with 25.2% for the EU as a whole, according to Statistics Poland's Energy 2026 publication.

The share follows the EU method, which covers electricity, heating and cooling and transport together, so it is lower than the renewable share of electricity alone. The publication breaks down production by source, including wind, solar and solid biomass. The Ministry of Climate and Environment sets national targets for renewables in its energy policy.

Official sources: GUS: Energy 2026 (PDF) · Ministry of Climate and Environment

Are Poland's emissions and water use falling?

Emissions of particulate pollutants from plants of significant nuisance to air quality fell by about 7% in 2025 and gaseous pollutants by about 2%, while water withdrawal for the economy and households fell by about 5%, according to Statistics Poland's Environment 2025 report.

Industrial and municipal wastewater fell by about 6%. The emissions figures cover only plants registered as significant sources of air pollution; they do not include households or transport, so they are not a measure of total emissions or of the air people breathe.

Official sources: GUS: Environment 2025

How much of Poland is forest?

Forests covered 31.0% of Poland's land area in 2024, according to the World Bank, which uses data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

The share has risen by fractions of a percentage point a year, from 30.96% in 2022. Forest area counts land with tree cover above set thresholds, including young plantations. Statistics Poland reports forest area and timber harvest in its annual Environment publication.

Official sources: World Bank: Forest area, Poland · GUS: Environment 2025

What are Poland's CO2 emissions per person?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Poland was 7.6 tonnes in 2024. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 5.1 tonnes, and Poland placed 7th highest of 46. Worldwide: 27th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Poland emit?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 348 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and Poland placed 7th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 27th of 186.

How much of Poland's energy is renewable?

According to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, the renewable share of final energy use in Poland was 15.2% in 2021. The peak was 16.1% in 2020 and the low 7.2% in 2005. It is 37th highest of 50 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 20.4%. Worldwide: 121st of 191.

How much of Poland is forest?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 31.0%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 31st highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 33.2%. Worldwide: 101st of 190.

What is air pollution like in Poland?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Poland was 16.5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2010, at 28.0 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2022, at 15.9 micrograms per cubic metre. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre, and Poland placed 15th highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 106th highest.

What share of Poland is protected land?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 39.6%. Its high point since 2013 was 2017, at 39.7%; its low point was 2014, at 30.0%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 22.1%, and Poland placed 4th highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 13th of 192.

How much of Poland's fresh water is used?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 32.5%. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 41.6%; its low point was 2020, at 30.0%. Europe & Central Asia median: 12.6%; Poland is 14th highest of 47. Worldwide: 50th of 175.