Uzbekistan: environment

What are Uzbekistan's CO2 emissions?

Uzbekistan emitted 4.09 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2024, according to World Bank data based on the EDGAR database, excluding land use and forestry.

Uzbekistan's energy supply relies heavily on natural gas, which accounts for much of its emissions. Per-person figures cover carbon dioxide only, not methane, which is significant in gas production. Uzbekistan reports its national greenhouse gas inventory to the UN climate convention. The National Statistics Committee's ecology data cover pollutants released into the air.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Uzbekistan · National Statistics Committee: Ecology

How bad is air pollution in Uzbekistan?

Pollutants released into the atmosphere in Uzbekistan totalled 1,188,200 tonnes in 2025, up from 866,700 tonnes in 2024, according to the National Statistics Committee's ecology data. People in Uzbekistan were exposed to an average of 32.8 micrograms of fine particles (PM2.5) per cubic metre in 2023, according to World Bank data.

The national emissions figure covers stationary sources such as factories and power plants that report to the authorities. PM2.5 exposure is a modelled estimate that includes dust, which is significant in Central Asia. Daily air quality readings for cities are published by Uzhydromet.

Official sources: National Statistics Committee: Ecology · World Bank: PM2.5 mean annual exposure, Uzbekistan · Uzhydromet

Does Uzbekistan have a water shortage?

Uzbekistan's freshwater withdrawals were 123% of its available renewable freshwater resources in 2022, according to World Bank data from the FAO AQUASTAT database. A figure above 100% means more water is withdrawn than the country's renewable resources, after environmental needs, can supply.

Most of Uzbekistan's water comes from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, which rise in neighbouring countries, and most withdrawals go to irrigated farming such as cotton and wheat. The shrinking of the Aral Sea is linked to these withdrawals. The figure is an annual average and does not show seasonal shortages.

Official sources: World Bank: Level of water stress, Uzbekistan

How much of Uzbekistan's electricity is renewable?

Renewable sources, mostly hydropower, produced 7.1% of Uzbekistan's electricity in 2021, according to World Bank data, which runs to that year. Natural gas generated most of the rest.

The National Statistics Committee publishes an energy and fuel balance, and electricity output growth is reported in its monthly industry data: the January-August 2026 report shows output of electricity, gas and steam supply up 11.8% on a year earlier.

Official sources: World Bank: Renewable electricity output, Uzbekistan · National Statistics Committee: Ecology · National Statistics Committee: Socio-economic situation, January-August 2026 (PDF)

How much of Uzbekistan is protected nature?

Uzbekistan's protected natural areas covered 5,359,300 hectares in 2025, slightly more than the 5,355,600 hectares of 2024, according to the National Statistics Committee's ecology data.

Protected areas include nature reserves, national parks, natural monuments and other categories with different levels of protection, so the total does not mean all of this land is closed to use. Changes from year to year usually reflect new designations or boundary changes.

Official sources: National Statistics Committee: Ecology

How much CO2 does Uzbekistan emit per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 4.1 tonnes. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 5.0 tonnes; its low point was 2018, at 3.5 tonnes. Europe & Central Asia median: 5.1 tonnes; Uzbekistan is 31st highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 58th highest.

What are Uzbekistan's emissions?

In 2024, total greenhouse gas emissions in Uzbekistan was 227 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Uzbekistan is 10th highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 34th highest.

How much renewable energy does Uzbekistan use?

According to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, the renewable share of final energy use in Uzbekistan was 1.0% in 2021. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 1.7%; its low point was 2006, at 0.8%. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.4%; Uzbekistan is 49th highest of 50. Of 191 countries with 2021 data, 178th highest.

How much of Uzbekistan is forest?

The FAO puts forest area as a share of land in Uzbekistan at 8.8% in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 33.2%, and Uzbekistan placed 46th highest of 51. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 157th highest.

What is air pollution like in Uzbekistan?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Uzbekistan was 32.8 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Since 2005 it has ranged from 29.9 micrograms per cubic metre (2012) to 34.3 micrograms per cubic metre (2005). Europe & Central Asia median: 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre; Uzbekistan is 2nd highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 39th of 192.

How much of Uzbekistan's land is protected?

The UN Environment Programme puts the share of land in protected areas in Uzbekistan at 14.1% in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2013. It is 40th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 22.1%. Worldwide: 123rd of 192.

What is water stress in Uzbekistan?

The FAO puts water stress in Uzbekistan at 123.0% in 2022. The peak was 168.9% in 2017 and the low 121.9% in 2021. Europe & Central Asia median: 12.6%; Uzbekistan is 2nd highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 12th of 175.