Syria: environment

What are the CO2 emissions of Syria?

Syria emitted 1.27 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, excluding land use, according to World Bank data. Total greenhouse gas emissions were 47.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, according to the World Bank greenhouse gas series.

Both figures come from the EDGAR database of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and exclude land use, land-use change and forestry. They are estimates based on international energy and activity data.

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

How many people in Syria have electricity?

89.3% of Syria's population had access to electricity in 2024, according to World Bank data. Renewable sources produced 3.4% of Syria's electricity in 2021, and renewables made up 1.1% of total final energy use, according to the renewable electricity series and the renewable energy consumption series.

Access means a household has an electricity connection; it does not show how many hours a day power is supplied. The figures come from the tracking report of the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO.

Official sources: World Bank: Access to electricity, Syria · World Bank: Renewable electricity output, Syria · World Bank: Renewable energy consumption, Syria

What is the air quality like in Syria?

The average person in Syria was exposed to 32.1 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 and ground measurements, so it describes long-term exposure rather than daily air quality in Damascus, Aleppo or other cities. No national air quality monitoring data were found on reachable Syrian official sites on 15 October 2026.

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

How much of Syria is covered by forest?

Forest covered 2.9% of Syria'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. Changes in the share over time show net forest loss or gain rather than the condition of remaining forest.

Official sources: World Bank: Forest area, Syria

What are Syria's CO2 emissions per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 1.3 tonnes. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.6 tonnes; Syria is 18th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 121st of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Syria emit?

47.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Syria for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 92.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; its low point was 2016, at 41.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Syria is 15th highest of 22. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 82nd highest.

What share of Syria'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 Syria at 1.1% in 2021. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.6% (2015) to 3.1% (2013). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 3.4%, and Syria placed 13th highest of 22. Worldwide: 174th of 191.

What share of Syria is covered by forest?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 2.9%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 1.6%; Syria is 9th highest of 22. Worldwide: 171st of 190.

What is air pollution like in Syria?

32.1 micrograms per cubic metre: that is average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Syria for 2023, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. The peak was 36.5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2010 and the low 29.8 micrograms per cubic metre in 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre; Syria is 15th highest of 22. Worldwide: 42nd of 192.

What share of Syria is protected land?

The UN Environment Programme puts the share of land in protected areas in Syria at 0.7% in 2025. The figure has been the same every year since 2013. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 9.8%, and Syria placed 21st highest of 22. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 186th highest.

How much of Syria's fresh water is used?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2022, is 124.4%. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 10th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 116.7%. Worldwide: 11th of 175.