Sri Lanka: environment

What are the CO2 emissions of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka's carbon dioxide emissions were 1.06 tonnes per person in 2024, according to the World Bank, which takes the figures from the EDGAR database.

The figure covers carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and industrial processes, divided by the population, and excludes land use and forestry. Total greenhouse gas emissions, including other gases converted to CO2 equivalents, were 37.2 million tonnes in 2024 on the World Bank total emissions indicator.

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

How much of Sri Lanka is forest?

34.4% of Sri Lanka's land area was forest in 2024, according to the World Bank, based on FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment data.

Forest area counts land with trees at least 5 metres tall covering more than 10% of the ground, and excludes tree stands in farms and urban parks. Renewable sources made up 48.8% of final energy consumption in 2021 on the World Bank renewables indicator.

Official sources: World Bank: Forest area (% of land area), Sri Lanka · World Bank: Renewable energy consumption, Sri Lanka

What are Sri Lanka's CO2 emissions per person?

1.1 tonnes: that is carbon dioxide emissions per person in Sri Lanka for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.6 tonnes (2009) to 1.1 tonnes (2016). It is 4th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 1.5 tonnes. World rank, highest first: 128th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Sri Lanka emit?

In 2024, total greenhouse gas emissions in Sri Lanka was 37.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 4th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 39.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. World rank, highest first: 97th of 186.

How much of Sri Lanka's energy is renewable?

48.8%: that is the renewable share of final energy use in Sri Lanka for 2021, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Its high point since 2005 was 2009, at 63.5%; its low point was 2016, at 45.1%. South Asia median: 41.8%; Sri Lanka is 3rd highest of 6. Worldwide: 51st of 191.

How much of Sri Lanka is forest?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 34.4%. The peak was 35.0% in 2005 and the low 33.6% in 2014. Across South Asia the middle value was 29.4%, and Sri Lanka placed 3rd highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 89th of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Sri Lanka?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Sri Lanka was 22.7 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 32.8 micrograms per cubic metre; its low point was 2021, at 21.5 micrograms per cubic metre. It is 5th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 41.6 micrograms per cubic metre. Worldwide: 68th of 192.

What share of Sri Lanka is protected land?

30.8%: that is the share of land in protected areas in Sri Lanka for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2013. South Asia median: 15.7%; Sri Lanka is 2nd highest of 6. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 31st highest.

How much of Sri Lanka's fresh water is used?

In 2022, water stress in Sri Lanka was 90.8%, according to the FAO. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 12.0%, and Sri Lanka placed 1st highest of 6. Worldwide: 18th of 175.