Yemen: environment

What are Yemen's CO2 emissions?

Yemen's carbon dioxide emissions were 0.26 tonnes per person in 2024, excluding land use, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. Total greenhouse gas emissions were 32.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The per-person figure covers carbon dioxide only, from fuel burning and industry. The total also includes methane and nitrous oxide. Both exclude land use change and forestry.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, Yemen · World Bank: total greenhouse gas emissions, Yemen

What is the air quality in Yemen?

People in Yemen were exposed to an average of 46.8 micrograms of fine particles (PM2.5) per cubic metre in 2023, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026.

PM2.5 are particles small enough to reach deep into the lungs. The figure is a population-weighted national average built from satellite data and models, not readings from a monitoring network.

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

How many people in Yemen have electricity?

86.3% of Yemen's population had access to electricity in 2024, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026.

Access counts people with a grid connection or an off-grid source such as solar panels, whatever the hours of supply. It does not show how many hours a day power is available. The series is compiled by the World Bank from household surveys and other national data.

Official sources: World Bank: access to electricity, Yemen

How much of Yemen's electricity is renewable?

10.3% of the electricity generated in Yemen in 2021 came from renewable sources, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. This is the latest year shown.

The figure covers grid and reported generation. Renewables made up 3.7% of total final energy use in 2021, which also counts fuel for transport, heating and cooking.

Official sources: World Bank: renewable electricity output, Yemen · World Bank: renewable energy consumption, Yemen

How much of Yemen is forest?

Forest covered 1.04% of Yemen's land area in 2024, according to UN Food and Agriculture Organization data on World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026.

Forest means land of more than half a hectare with trees over five metres tall and canopy cover of more than 10%, not counting farm tree crops. The Environment Protection Authority publishes news on protected areas, plants and birds, and on climate change adaptation.

Official sources: World Bank: forest area, Yemen · Environment Protection Authority

How much CO2 does Yemen emit per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 0.3 tonnes. No year since 2005 has been lower. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.6 tonnes; Yemen is 22nd highest of 22. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 166th highest.

How much greenhouse gas does Yemen emit?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 32.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Since 2005 it has ranged from 27.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2016) to 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2009). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Yemen is 19th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 106th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Yemen use?

The latest figure from the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, for 2021, is 3.7%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 3.4%; Yemen is 11th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 161st of 191.

What share of Yemen is covered by forest?

1.0%: that is forest area as a share of land in Yemen for 2024, according to the FAO. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 14th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.6%. Of 190 countries with 2024 data, 179th highest.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in Yemen?

46.8 micrograms per cubic metre: that is average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Yemen for 2023, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. The peak was 53.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2012 and the low 39.5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2006. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre, and Yemen placed 9th highest of 22. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 15th highest.

How much of Yemen is in national parks and reserves?

In 2025, the share of land in protected areas in Yemen was 1.1%, according to the UN Environment Programme. No year since 2013 has been higher. It is 20th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 9.8%. Worldwide: 184th of 192.

Is Yemen short of water?

169.8%: that is water stress in Yemen for 2022, according to the FAO. It has not changed since 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 116.7%; Yemen is 6th highest of 21. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 6th highest.