Samoa: environment

Is there a drought in Samoa?

El Niño conditions were well established across the tropical Pacific, with below-normal rainfall, above-normal temperatures and a higher risk of drought expected for Samoa, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's El Niño Update No. 2 of 11 August 2026. Several locations had already recorded below-average rainfall in the previous month.

The Samoa Meteorology Division expects El Niño to last through the rest of 2026, with a 40–60% chance of above-normal temperatures. It warns of pressure on village and urban water supplies and says the tropical cyclone risk is still elevated for the 2026–2027 season.

Official sources: MNRE: El Niño Update No. 2, 11 August 2026 (PDF)

How much of Samoa's electricity is renewable?

Renewable sources produced 49.1% of Samoa's electricity in 2021, according to the World Bank's World Development Indicators, the latest year shown. Samoa's total greenhouse gas emissions were 0.52 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, excluding land use (greenhouse gas emissions).

Renewable output covers hydropower, solar, wind and other non-fossil sources, measured as a share of all electricity generated. The emissions total covers carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases, weighted by their warming effect.

Official sources: World Bank API: renewable electricity output, Samoa · World Bank API: greenhouse gas emissions, Samoa

Is the tap water safe to drink in Samoa?

99.9% of household members in Samoa used an improved source of drinking water, but 45.6% of household drinking water tested at the point of use was contaminated with E. coli, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' Samoa DHS-MICS 2025 report. 57.2% of people had safely managed drinking water, meaning on premises, available when needed and free of E. coli at source.

An improved source, such as piped water, is not the same as safe water. 82.0% had water available when needed. 97.0% used at least basic sanitation.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: Samoa DHS-MICS 2025 report (PDF)

What are Samoa's CO2 emissions per person?

1.6 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Samoa for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. The peak was 1.8 tonnes in 2019 and the low 1.2 tonnes in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1 tonnes, and Samoa placed 18th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 113th of 186.

What are Samoa's emissions?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in Samoa was 0.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. The peak was 0.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2016 and the low 0.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2005. It is 24th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 45.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 173rd highest.

How much renewable energy does Samoa use?

The IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO puts the renewable share of final energy use in Samoa at 35.9% in 2022. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 48.9%; its low point was 2019, at 34.2%. It is 5th highest of 14 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 18.6%. Worldwide: 25th of 53.

What share of Samoa is covered by forest?

According to the FAO, forest area as a share of land in Samoa was 57.6% in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 53.6%, and Samoa placed 13th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 35th of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Samoa?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Samoa was 4.6 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. The peak was 5.3 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 and the low 3.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2021. East Asia & Pacific median: 11.7 micrograms per cubic metre; Samoa is 27th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 188th of 192.

How much of Samoa's land is protected?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 7.9%. Since 2013 it has ranged from 6.8% (2013) to 8.2% (2020). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 15.8%, and Samoa placed 20th highest of 30. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 153rd highest.