Tuvalu: environment

Where does Tuvalu get its drinking water?

Most households in Tuvalu drink rainwater piped into the home from storage tanks or concrete cisterns, according to the Central Statistics Division's 2022 census report. Households' tanks held 33.4 million litres in total, 6% more than in 2017.

Only about 43% of households said they had sufficient water during the previous month, while 87% found their drinking water acceptable and 56% treated it to make it safe. The 2026–27 budget lists rising sea levels, storm surges and droughts among fiscal risks, and reports that coastal protection and land reclamation works in Funafuti under the TCAP projects have been completed, with TCAP 1B under way.

Official sources: Central Statistics Division: Tuvalu 2022 Population and Housing Census report (PDF) · Ministry of Finance and Economic Development: 2026–2027 National Budget (PDF)

What are Tuvalu's CO2 emissions per person?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts carbon dioxide emissions per person in Tuvalu at 0.0 tonnes in 2024. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.1 tonnes, and Tuvalu placed 29th highest of 30. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 185th highest.

What are Tuvalu's emissions?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 0.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. That is the highest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 45.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Tuvalu is 28th highest of 30. Worldwide: 184th of 186.

How much of Tuvalu's energy is renewable?

In 2022, the renewable share of final energy use in Tuvalu was 5.2%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.0% (2005) to 7.3% (2016). It is 10th highest of 14 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 18.6%. World rank, highest first: 42nd of 53.

How much of Tuvalu is forest?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Tuvalu was 39.6%, according to the FAO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 53.6%; Tuvalu is 19th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 71st of 190.

How polluted is the air in Tuvalu?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Tuvalu was 5.2 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.5 micrograms per cubic metre (2011) to 6.1 micrograms per cubic metre (2005). East Asia & Pacific median: 11.7 micrograms per cubic metre; Tuvalu is 23rd highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 183rd of 192.

How much of Tuvalu's land is protected?

The latest figure from the UN Environment Programme, for 2025, is 20.2%. No year since 2013 has been higher. East Asia & Pacific median: 15.8%; Tuvalu is 8th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 82nd of 192.