Photo: derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 07 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Ireland: Environment & Sustainability
How much pressure does a country put on the natural world?
Ireland is placed 101st of 186 countries on environment & sustainability in the Country Index 2026, from 3 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: CO₂ Emissions per Capita 6.339 (2024); Water Stress 9.42 (2023).
Share
Environment & Sustainability
101st
of 186 countries placed
Placed from 3 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Ireland on environment & sustainability — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
6.339
Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Lower is better
Ireland: 6.339. Across the 210 countries in this edition, values run from 0.054 (DR Congo) to 41.27 (Qatar); the world median is 3.21.
- World median
- 3.21
- Best in Northern Europe
- 3.452 Latvia
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 4.526
Key 2 of 4
Water Stress
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY 4.0
9.42
Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Lower is better
Ireland: 9.42. Across the 177 countries in this edition, values run from 0.03 (Republic of the Congo) to 3,851 (Kuwait); the world median is 10.
- World median
- 10
- Best in Northern Europe
- 0.39 Iceland
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 14.35
Key 3 of 4
Organic Agricultural Area
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0
4.94
Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Higher is better
Ireland: 4.94. Across the 156 countries in this edition, values run from 0 (Afghanistan) to 86.38 (Samoa); the world median is 0.725.
- World median
- 0.725
- Best in Northern Europe
- 22.61 Estonia
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 2.87
No reading
Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Lower is better
Global Footprint Network publishes no 2025 figure for Ireland, so the standing rests on the other keys.
Across the 126 countries in this edition, values run from 0.514 (Yemen) to 11.73 (Qatar); the world median is 2.296.
- World median
- 2.296
- Best in Northern Europe
- 3.409 United Kingdom
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 3.409
02Over time
Which way Ireland is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
CO₂ Emissions per Capita
Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person) · lower is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland fell from 11.9 in 2000 to 6.339 in 2024; the world median went from 2.662 to 3.21.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2024 6.339 3.210 2023 6.460 3.145 2022 7.177 3.162 2021 7.452 3.087 2020 7.035 2.903 2019 7.540 3.273 2018 7.988 3.036 2017 8.116 3.049 2016 8.492 2.894 2015 8.233 2.846 2014 7.911 2.919 2013 8.061 2.779 2012 8.309 2.770 2011 8.310 2.748 2010 9.167 2.812 2009 9.303 2.799 2008 10.558 2.979 2007 10.847 2.593 2006 11.150 2.865 2005 11.588 2.885 2004 11.354 2.802 2003 11.441 2.918 2002 11.730 2.785 2001 12.324 2.726 2000 11.900 2.662 Water Stress
Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%) · lower is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland rose from 4.67 in 2000 to 9.42 in 2023; the world median went from 10.07 to 10.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2023 9.42 10.000 2022 8.05 10.190 2021 7.61 10.460 2020 7.43 10.460 2019 7.40 10.890 2018 7.35 10.460 2017 6.94 10.460 2016 6.53 10.460 2015 6.12 10.190 2014 5.70 10.460 2013 5.29 10.460 2012 4.88 10.460 2011 4.47 10.460 2010 4.06 10.710 2009 3.64 10.960 2008 3.58 10.815 2007 3.51 11.180 2006 3.68 10.430 2005 3.85 10.250 2004 4.01 10.715 2003 4.17 10.370 2002 4.34 10.180 2001 4.50 10.130 2000 4.67 10.070 Organic Agricultural Area
Organic share of agricultural land (%) · higher is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland rose from 0.81 in 2005 to 4.94 in 2024; the world median went from 0.345 to 0.725.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2024 4.94 0.725 2023 4.28 0.780 2022 2.27 0.740 2021 2.00 0.710 2020 1.65 0.665 2019 1.63 0.550 2018 2.63 0.490 2017 1.66 0.630 2016 1.72 0.545 2015 1.65 0.540 2014 1.16 0.470 2013 1.26 0.440 2012 1.16 0.480 2011 1.19 0.460 2010 1.05 0.330 2009 1.04 0.335 2008 0.92 0.290 2007 0.96 0.370 2006 0.88 0.305 2005 0.81 0.345
03In context
Ireland beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 186 countries on environment & sustainability, never a place within the region.
Ireland and the countries it borders
Standing among all 186; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | CO₂ Emissions per CapitaFossil CO₂ (tonnes per person) | Water StressFreshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%) | Organic Agricultural AreaOrganic share of agricultural land (%) | Ecological FootprintEcological Footprint (global hectares per person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 101st | 6.339 | 9.42 | 4.94 | — |
 United Kingdom | =115th | 4.526 | 14.35 | 2.87 | 3.409 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Northern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 186.
Placed either side on environment & sustainability
The countries immediately above and below Ireland in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Ireland is ahead of the world, and behind
46 more statistics filed under environment & sustainability, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median18
Statistics on which Ireland does better than the middle country measured.
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · world median 16.1233.7116.1No real change since 2013
Ireland: 233.71 · world median 16.1 · Value added per cubic metre of freshwater withdrawn (constant US$ per m³). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.38 to 1,378; higher is better.
Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · world median 52.15No earlier reading
Ireland: 2.1 · world median 5 · Children's Climate Risk Index (0–10, higher is more risk). UNICEF, 2021 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 1 to 8.7; lower is better.
Ranked 154th of 163 by UNICEF (1st = worst).
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · world median 5.27940.825.279▼ Worsened since 2014
Ireland: 40.82 · world median 5.279 · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated). Ember, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 69.12; higher is better.
Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · world median 00.990▼ Worsened since 2015
Ireland: 0.99 · world median 0 · Compound annual change in forest area over the interval ending that year (%). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from -3.29 to 12.3; higher is better.
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · world median 2.7381.0432.738▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 1.043 · world median 2.738 · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP). U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.666 to 17.45; lower is better.
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 0.450.3170.45No real change since 2014
Ireland: 0.317 · world median 0.45 · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.263 to 0.655; lower is better.
Ranked 13th of 190 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 47.4464.3547.44No real change since 2014
Ireland: 64.35 · world median 47.44 · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 26.42 to 71.85; higher is better.
Ranked 21st of 190 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
Adjusted Net SavingsWorld Bank Group · 2021 · world median 8.38920.128.389▲ Improved since 2011
Ireland: 20.12 · world median 8.389 · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from -81.62 to 32.18; higher is better.
Position 15th of 118 · derived.
PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · world median 14.457.114.45▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 7.1 · world median 14.45 · Population-weighted PM2.5 concentration (µg/m³). Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 2.5 to 68.2; lower is better.
Position 185th of 220 · derived, 1st = worst.
World Energy Trilemma IndexWorld Energy Council · 2023 · world median 63.876.363.8No earlier reading
Ireland: 76.3 · world median 63.8 · Trilemma score (0–100). World Energy Council, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 27.7 to 83.2; higher is better.
Ranked 19th of 99 by World Energy Council.
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.6780.7520.678▼ Worsened since 2013
Ireland: 0.752 · world median 0.678 · PHDI (0–1). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.276 to 0.827; higher is better.
Position 30th of 156 · derived.
Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · world median 1.6630.3631.663No earlier reading
Ireland: 0.363 · world median 1.663 · Baseline water stress score (0–5). World Resources Institute (WRI), 2023 edition, data for 2019.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 5; lower is better.
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per CapitaFAO · 2022 · world median 2,5289,4002,528No real change since 2012
Ireland: 9,400 · world median 2,528 · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 445,023; higher is better.
Position 49th of 181 · derived.
Carbon Intensity of ElectricityEmber · 2024 · world median 433.75270.75433.75▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 270.75 · world median 433.75 · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated). Ember, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 23.73 to 1,306; lower is better.
Position 111th of 165 · derived, 1st = worst.
Renewable Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · world median 32.0646.5132.06▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 46.51 · world median 32.06 · Renewables (% of electricity generated). Ember, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Position 64th of 162 · derived.
World Risk IndexInstitute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · world median 4.173.254.17▲ Improved since 2015
Ireland: 3.25 · world median 4.17 · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk). Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.18 to 46.56; lower is better.
Position 113th of 193 · derived, 1st = worst.
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · world median 37.3246.5137.32▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 46.51 · world median 37.32 · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated). Ember, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Position 74th of 162 · derived.
Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · world median 18.1819.3418.18No real change since 2015
Ireland: 19.34 · world median 18.18 · Forest within legally established protected areas, as a share of the country's 2015 forest area (%). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Behind the world median3
Statistics on which Ireland does worse than the middle country measured.
Coal Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · world median 02.0270▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 2.027 · world median 0 · Coal (% of electricity generated). Ember, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 98.25; lower is better.
Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · world median 1.5652.861.565▲ Improved since 2013
Ireland: 2.86 · world median 1.565 · Greenhouse gases from farming per value of agricultural output (kg CO₂eq per international dollar). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 28.2; lower is better.
Position 42nd of 190 · derived, 1st = worst.
Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 0.9661.7360.966No earlier reading
Ireland: 1.736 · world median 0.966 · Municipal solid waste generated (kg per person per day). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0.058 to 4.176; lower is better.
Position 33rd of 201 · derived, 1st = worst.
Level with the median, or no median to compare1
Progress Toward Productive and Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4.1 Proxy)FAO · 2024 · world median 3.143.143.14▼ Worsened since 2015
Ireland: 3.14 · world median 3.14 · Current status score, from 1 (worst) to 5 (best), averaged over up to seven sub-indicators. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.67 to 4.57; higher is better.
Position 92nd of 186 · derived.
No better end24
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · world median 87.36895.8787.36No real change since 2013
Ireland: 895.87 · world median 87.36 · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 2,926.
Position 5th of 188 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · world median 37.63187.3937.63No real change since 2013
Ireland: 187.39 · world median 37.63 · Nitrogen surplus (+) or deficit (−) on cropland, kg per hectare. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from -555.52 to 1,199.
Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · world median 57.8398.3857.83No real change since 2013
Ireland: 98.38 · world median 57.83 · Meat available as food (kg per person per year, carcass weight). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 3.49 to 156.95.
Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · world median 0.5351.580.535Moved since 2013
Ireland: 1.58 · world median 0.535 · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.02 to 43.97.
Position 32nd of 188 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · world median 37.9660.8137.96Moved since 2013
Ireland: 60.81 · world median 37.96 · Agricultural land (% of land area). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.445 to 86.48.
Position 37th of 209 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · world median 1004,381100No earlier reading
Ireland: 4,381 · world median 100 · Wind farm capacity in operation (megawatts). Global Energy Monitor, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 542,758.
Agricultural EmissionsFAO · 2023 · world median 8,63535,3708,635No real change since 2013
Ireland: 35,370 · world median 8,635 · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1,044,508.
Position 47th of 193 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · world median 0.1441.340.144Moved since 2014
Ireland: 1.34 · world median 0.144 · Solar generating capacity installed (gigawatts). U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 886.66.
Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · world median 52,375244,76552,375Moved since 2014
Ireland: 244,765 · world median 52,375 · Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic animals caught or farmed, tonnes (live weight). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 70,500,841.
Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · world median 1.734.941.73Moved since 2014
Ireland: 4.94 · world median 1.73 · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 37.72.
Position 53rd of 178 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · world median 1.4741.8851.474Moved since 2015
Ireland: 1.885 · world median 1.474 · Change in mean land-surface temperature against the country's own 1951–1980 average, °C. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.34 to 3.294.
Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · world median 325.69624.38325.69Moved since 2015
Ireland: 624.38 · world median 325.69 · Methane emissions (gigagrams of CH₄). European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EDGAR), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.048 to 51,093.
Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · world median 3,77512,1693,775Moved since 2015
Ireland: 12,169 · world median 3,775 · Tree cover loss (hectares, where canopy cover exceeded 30% in 2000). World Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 6,225,187.
Solar Share of Electricity GenerationEmber · 2024 · world median 3.0493.5083.049Moved since 2014
Ireland: 3.508 · world median 3.049 · Solar (% of electricity generated). Ember, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 50.
Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · world median 2.9542.7992.954No real change since 1990
Ireland: 2.799 · world median 2.954 · Population living below 5 m elevation (% of total population). Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University, 2015 edition, data for 2015.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 78.48.
Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · world median 12.7911.1412.79No real change since 2013
Ireland: 11.14 · world median 12.79 · Consumption-based fossil CO₂ (million tonnes of carbon). Global Carbon Project, 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.882 to 2,963.
Environmentally Related Tax RevenueOECD · 2024 · world median 1.0750.9481.075Moved since 2014
Ireland: 0.948 · world median 1.075 · Environmentally related tax revenue (% of GDP). OECD, 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 3.346.
Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · world median 0.1090.0830.109Moved since 2013
Ireland: 0.083 · world median 0.109 · Arable land (hectares per person). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1.459.
Position 129th of 206 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · world median 689,278269,360689,278No real change since 2013
Ireland: 269,360 · world median 689,278 · Land under cereal production (hectares). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 103,715,108.
Position 116th of 179 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · world median 13,8241,00913,824Moved since 2015
Ireland: 1,009 · world median 13,824 · Burned area (hectares). European Commission Joint Research Centre — Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 50,562,035.
Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · world median 31.0811.5331.08Moved since 2013
Ireland: 11.53 · world median 31.08 · Forest area (% of land area). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 94.45.
Position 156th of 210 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 1.7080.1011.708No real change since 2011
Ireland: 0.101 · world median 1.708 · Natural resources rents (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2021 edition, data for 2021.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 61.03.
Position 151st of 180 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · world median 5250525No earlier reading
Ireland: 0 · world median 525 · Coal-fired capacity in operation (megawatts). Global Energy Monitor, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 1,263,101.
Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · world median 62.142.36962.14Moved since 2012
Ireland: 2.369 · world median 62.14 · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 99.48.
Position 162nd of 171 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for Ireland
Agricultural Irrigated Land, Ecological Footprint, Mangrove Area and Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Environment & Sustainability among Ireland’s 16 topics
Environment & Sustainability is Ireland’s 16th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Development & Human Capital6th of 1963/3 keys
- Democracy & Civil Libertiesjoint 8th of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 10th of 1944/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality9th of 1593/3 keys
- Peace & Security13th of 1774/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture17th of 1844/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation19th of 1764/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience22nd of 1934/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge23rd of 1983/4 keys
- Gender & Equality22nd of 1834/4 keys
- Digital & Technologyjoint 28th of 1984/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade33rd of 1774/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing40th of 2003/4 keys
- Energy41st of 1653/3 keys
- Work & Labourjoint 83rd of 1824/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability101st of 1863/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on environment & sustainability
The three countries placed highest of 186, and the leaders Ireland can most readily be measured against.
1
AngolaMiddle Africa
1st of 186 · 3 of 4 keys
Photo: Paulo César Santos derivative work: Jjtkk · CC0, greyscale
- 2
São Tomé and PríncipeMiddle Africa
2nd of 186 · 3 of 4 keys
3
Sierra LeoneWestern Africa
3rd of 186 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Annabel Symington derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY 2.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Europe
Liechtenstein27th2/4 keysHighest in Northern Europe
Finland=61st3/4 keysThis page
Ireland101st3/4 keys
Positions out of 186 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Questions
Ireland on environment & sustainability: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Ireland rank on environment & sustainability?
Ireland is placed 101st of 186 countries on Environment & Sustainability in the Country Index 2026, from 3 of its 4 key statistics (CO₂ Emissions per Capita, Water Stress and Organic Agricultural Area). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest CO₂ Emissions per Capita figure for Ireland?
6.339 in 2024 (fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)), according to Global Carbon Project. The world median in the same edition was 3.21.
What is the latest Water Stress figure for Ireland?
9.42 in 2023 (freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)), according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The world median in the same edition was 10.
How does Ireland compare with United Kingdom on environment & sustainability?
United Kingdom is placed joint 115th of 186, and Ireland 101st. CO₂ Emissions per Capita: United Kingdom 4.526, Ireland 6.339; Water Stress: United Kingdom 14.35, Ireland 9.42; Organic Agricultural Area: United Kingdom 2.87, Ireland 4.94.
How have Ireland’s environment & sustainability figures changed?
CO₂ Emissions per Capita fell from 11.9 in 2000 to 6.339 in 2024; Water Stress rose from 4.67 in 2000 to 9.42 in 2023; Organic Agricultural Area rose from 0.81 in 2005 to 4.94 in 2024.
Which environment & sustainability statistics are missing for Ireland?
No current reading is published for Ireland on Agricultural Irrigated Land, Ecological Footprint, Mangrove Area and Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
08Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Air quality and biodiversity are not keys, because the site does not yet hold data for them that passes every test. Forest cover, farmland, farm emissions and the renewable share of electricity are published here as context. Exposure to natural hazards belongs to Risk & Resilience.
How the Environment & Sustainability standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The environment & sustainability method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- CO₂ Emissions per Capita — Global Carbon Project, CC BY 4.0
- Water Stress — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), CC BY 4.0
- Organic Agricultural Area — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), CC BY 4.0
- Ecological Footprint — Global Footprint Network, CC BY-SA 4.0
The other 46 statistics on this page come from 18 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Ireland’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Ireland (banner) — derivative work: Jjtkk, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Angola — Paulo César Santos derivative work: Jjtkk, CC0
- Sierra Leone — Annabel Symington derivative work: Jjtkk, CC BY 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Ireland: Environment & Sustainability — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/ireland/environment