Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 07 of 18 · Country Index 2026
South Korea: Environment & Sustainability
How much pressure does a country put on the natural world?
South Korea is placed 170th of 186 countries on environment & sustainability in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: CO₂ Emissions per Capita 11.29 (2024); Water Stress 85.22 (2023).
Share
Environment & Sustainability
170th
of 186 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
- 11.29CO₂ Emissions per Capita, 2024Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
- 85.22Water Stress, 2023Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
- 2.42Organic Agricultural Area, 2024Organic share of agricultural land (%)
- 5.106Ecological Footprint, 2025Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place South Korea 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.
11.29
Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Lower is better
South Korea: 11.29. 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 Eastern Asia
- 1.467 Macau
- Land neighbours
- North Korea 2.36
Key 2 of 4
Water Stress
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY 4.0
85.22
Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Lower is better
South Korea: 85.22. 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 Eastern Asia
- 4.97 Mongolia
- Land neighbours
- North Korea 27.74
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
2.42
Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Higher is better
South Korea: 2.42. 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 Eastern Asia
- 2.61 Taiwan
5.106
Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Lower is better
South Korea: 5.106. 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 Eastern Asia
- 3.757 China
02Over time
Which way South Korea 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
South KoreaWorld median
South Korea rose from 9.408 in 2000 to 11.29 in 2024; the world median went from 2.662 to 3.21.
Every year’s figures
Year South Korea World median 2024 11.286 3.210 2023 11.385 3.145 2022 11.720 3.162 2021 11.882 3.087 2020 11.524 2.903 2019 12.481 3.273 2018 12.977 3.036 2017 12.713 3.049 2016 12.435 2.894 2015 12.439 2.846 2014 12.453 2.919 2013 12.674 2.779 2012 12.660 2.770 2011 12.690 2.748 2010 12.187 2.812 2009 11.078 2.799 2008 11.015 2.979 2007 10.829 2.593 2006 10.488 2.865 2005 10.422 2.885 2004 10.302 2.802 2003 10.212 2.918 2002 10.065 2.785 2001 9.685 2.726 2000 9.408 2.662 Water Stress
Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%) · lower is better
South KoreaWorld median
South Korea rose from 80.78 in 2000 to 85.22 in 2023; the world median went from 10.07 to 10.
Every year’s figures
Year South Korea World median 2023 85.22 10.000 2022 85.22 10.190 2021 85.22 10.460 2020 85.22 10.460 2019 85.22 10.890 2018 85.22 10.460 2017 85.22 10.460 2016 85.22 10.460 2015 85.22 10.190 2014 85.22 10.460 2013 85.22 10.460 2012 85.22 10.460 2011 85.22 10.460 2010 85.22 10.710 2009 85.22 10.960 2008 85.22 10.815 2007 85.22 11.180 2006 85.22 10.430 2005 85.22 10.250 2004 85.19 10.715 2003 85.17 10.370 2002 85.14 10.180 2001 82.96 10.130 2000 80.78 10.070 Organic Agricultural Area
Organic share of agricultural land (%) · higher is better
South KoreaWorld median
South Korea rose from 0.32 in 2005 to 2.42 in 2024; the world median went from 0.345 to 0.725.
Every year’s figures
Year South Korea World median 2024 2.42 0.725 2023 2.41 0.780 2022 2.50 0.740 2021 2.54 0.710 2020 2.38 0.665 2019 1.81 0.550 2018 1.50 0.490 2017 1.23 0.630 2016 1.19 0.545 2015 1.04 0.540 2014 1.05 0.470 2013 1.20 0.440 2012 1.43 0.480 2011 1.10 0.460 2010 0.87 0.330 2009 0.74 0.335 2008 0.66 0.290 2007 0.53 0.370 2006 0.46 0.305 2005 0.32 0.345 Ecological Footprint
Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person) · lower is better
South KoreaWorld median
South Korea rose from 5.101 in 2000 to 5.106 in 2025; the world median went from 1.95 to 2.296.
Every year’s figures
Year South Korea World median 2025 5.106 2.2963 2024 5.108 2.3139 2023 5.259 2.3174 2022 5.415 2.2724 2021 5.490 2.3370 2020 5.076 2.3057 2019 5.552 2.2578 2018 5.735 2.2485 2017 5.661 2.2209 2016 5.505 2.2308 2015 5.432 2.3000 2014 5.473 2.3814 2013 5.600 2.3363 2012 5.596 2.4200 2011 5.693 2.4794 2010 5.595 2.3679 2009 5.163 2.2224 2008 5.507 2.1727 2007 5.559 2.2036 2006 5.400 2.1203 2005 5.348 2.1512 2004 5.332 2.1055 2003 5.295 2.0449 2002 5.391 2.1195 2001 5.361 2.2004 2000 5.101 1.9499
03In context
South Korea 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.
South Korea 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 North Koreacompare | =121st | 2.36 | 27.74 | — | — |
| South Korea | 170th | 11.29 | 85.22 | 2.42 | 5.106 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 186.
Placed either side on environment & sustainability
The countries immediately above and below South Korea in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where South Korea is ahead of the world, and behind
39 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 median8
Statistics on which South Korea does better than the middle country measured.
ND-GAIN Country IndexNotre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 47.4468.2947.44▲ Improved since 2014
South Korea: 68.29 · 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 7th of 190 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 0.450.3560.45No real change since 2014
South Korea: 0.356 · 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 33rd of 190 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.
Adjusted Net SavingsWorld Bank Group · 2021 · world median 8.38917.718.389▼ Worsened since 2011
South Korea: 17.71 · 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 23rd of 118 · derived.
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDIUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 0.6780.7450.678▲ Improved since 2013
South Korea: 0.745 · 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 34th of 156 · derived.
Water-Use EfficiencyFAO · 2023 · world median 16.163.9116.1No real change since 2013
South Korea: 63.91 · 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.
World Energy Trilemma IndexWorld Energy Council · 2023 · world median 63.873.163.8No earlier reading
South Korea: 73.1 · 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 27th of 99 by World Energy Council.
Agricultural Emissions IntensityFAO · 2023 · world median 1.5650.991.565No real change since 2013
South Korea: 0.99 · 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 138th of 190 · derived, 1st = worst.
Progress Toward Productive and Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2.4.1 Proxy)FAO · 2024 · world median 3.143.293.14▼ Worsened since 2015
South Korea: 3.29 · 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 80th of 186 · derived.
Behind the world median9
Statistics on which South Korea does worse than the middle country measured.
Children's Climate Risk IndexUNICEF · 2020 · world median 55.25No earlier reading
South Korea: 5.2 · 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 72nd of 163 by UNICEF (1st = worst).
Municipal Solid Waste GenerationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 0.9661.2180.966No earlier reading
South Korea: 1.218 · 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 74th of 201 · derived, 1st = worst.
Baseline Water Stress (Aqueduct)WRI · 2019 · world median 1.6632.3811.663No earlier reading
South Korea: 2.381 · 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 2,5281,2552,528No real change since 2012
South Korea: 1,255 · 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 120th of 181 · derived.
Annual Forest Area Change RateFAO · 2025 · world median 0-0.090No real change since 2015
South Korea: -0.09 · 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.
World Risk IndexInstitute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · 2025 · world median 4.1711.014.17▼ Worsened since 2015
South Korea: 11.01 · 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 49th of 193 · derived, 1st = worst.
PM2.5 Air Pollution ExposureAtmospheric Composition Analysis Group, Washington University in St. Louis · 2023 · world median 14.4525.914.45No real change since 2013
South Korea: 25.9 · 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 52nd of 220 · derived, 1st = worst.
Forest Area within Legally Established Protected AreasFAO · 2025 · world median 18.187.1818.18No real change since 2015
South Korea: 7.18 · 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.
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)EIA · 2024 · world median 2.7384.9142.738▲ Improved since 2014
South Korea: 4.914 · 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.
No better end22
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Livestock DensityFAO · 2023 · world median 0.5354.630.535No real change since 2013
South Korea: 4.63 · 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 8th of 188 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Solar Electricity Installed CapacityEIA · 2024 · world median 0.14426.640.144No real change since 2014
South Korea: 26.64 · 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.
Operating Coal Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · world median 52541,745525No earlier reading
South Korea: 41,745 · 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.
Consumption-Based CO₂ EmissionsGlobal Carbon Project · 2023 · world median 12.79193.4712.79No real change since 2013
South Korea: 193.47 · 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.
Cropland Nitrogen BalanceFAO · 2023 · world median 37.63186.6637.63Moved since 2013
South Korea: 186.66 · 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.
Fisheries and Aquaculture ProductionFAO · 2024 · world median 52,3751,826,91852,375No real change since 2014
South Korea: 1,826,918 · 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.
Forest AreaFAO · 2023 · world median 31.0864.1131.08No real change since 2013
South Korea: 64.11 · 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 21st of 210 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Fertilizer Consumption per HectareFAO · 2023 · world median 87.36262.3187.36Moved since 2013
South Korea: 262.31 · 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 23rd of 188 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Pesticide Use per HectareFAO · 2024 · world median 1.7313.031.73Moved since 2014
South Korea: 13.03 · 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 24th of 178 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Tree Cover LossWorld Resources Institute — Global Forest Watch (data: University of Maryland) · 2025 · world median 3,77586,9813,775Moved since 2015
South Korea: 86,981 · 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.
Methane EmissionsEDGAR · 2025 · world median 325.691,555325.69No real change since 2015
South Korea: 1,555 · 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.
Meat Supply per PersonFAO · 2023 · world median 57.838457.83Moved since 2013
South Korea: 84 · 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.
Operating Wind Power CapacityGlobal Energy Monitor · 2026 · world median 1001,649100No earlier reading
South Korea: 1,649 · 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 8,63528,5988,635Moved since 2013
South Korea: 28,598 · 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 54th of 193 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Temperature Change on LandFAO · 2025 · world median 1.4741.8971.474Moved since 2015
South Korea: 1.897 · 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.
Burned AreaGWIS · 2025 · world median 13,82497,56213,824Moved since 2015
South Korea: 97,562 · 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.
Land Under Cereal ProductionFAO · 2023 · world median 689,278776,099689,278No real change since 2013
South Korea: 776,099 · 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 87th of 179 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Water Withdrawal by SectorFAO · 2022 · world median 62.1458.9362.14No real change since 2012
South Korea: 58.93 · 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 92nd of 171 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Population Living Below 5 m ElevationCenter for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University · 2015 · world median 2.9542.1342.954No real change since 1990
South Korea: 2.134 · 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.
Agricultural LandFAO · 2023 · world median 37.9616.0737.96Moved since 2013
South Korea: 16.07 · 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 163rd of 209 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Arable Land per PersonFAO · 2023 · world median 0.1090.0280.109No real change since 2013
South Korea: 0.028 · 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 162nd of 206 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)World Bank Group · 2021 · world median 1.7080.051.708No real change since 2011
South Korea: 0.05 · 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 156th of 180 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for South Korea
Agricultural Irrigated Land, Carbon Intensity of Electricity, Coal Share of Electricity Generation, Environmentally Related Tax Revenue (last 2023), Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation, Mangrove Area, Renewable Share of Electricity Generation, Solar Share of Electricity Generation, Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation and Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation. 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 South Korea’s 15 topics
Environment & Sustainability is South Korea’s 15th best-placed topic of 15. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Digital & Technologyjoint 1st of 1984/4 keys
- Work & Labour3rd of 1824/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing5th of 2004/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge8th of 1983/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade8th of 1774/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation15th of 1764/4 keys
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 19th of 1944/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital24th of 1963/3 keys
- Gender & Equality24th of 1834/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture32nd of 1843/4 keys
- Risk & Resiliencejoint 35th of 1934/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality29th of 1593/3 keys
- Democracy & Civil Libertiesjoint 38th of 1984/4 keys
- Peace & Security63rd of 1774/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability170th of 1864/4 keys
No standing on Energy: too few of those topics’ key statistics are published for this country.
06The top of the list
Who leads on environment & sustainability
The three countries placed highest of 186, and the leaders South Korea 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 Asia
Palestine24th2/4 keysHighest in Eastern Asia
North Korea=121st2/4 keysThis page
South Korea170th4/4 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
South Korea 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 South Korea rank on environment & sustainability?
South Korea is placed 170th of 186 countries on Environment & Sustainability in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (CO₂ Emissions per Capita, Water Stress, Organic Agricultural Area and Ecological Footprint). 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 South Korea?
11.29 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 South Korea?
85.22 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 South Korea compare with North Korea on environment & sustainability?
North Korea is placed joint 121st of 186, and South Korea 170th. CO₂ Emissions per Capita: North Korea 2.36, South Korea 11.29; Water Stress: North Korea 27.74, South Korea 85.22.
How have South Korea’s environment & sustainability figures changed?
CO₂ Emissions per Capita rose from 9.408 in 2000 to 11.29 in 2024; Water Stress rose from 80.78 in 2000 to 85.22 in 2023; Organic Agricultural Area rose from 0.32 in 2005 to 2.42 in 2024; Ecological Footprint rose from 5.101 in 2000 to 5.106 in 2025.
Which environment & sustainability statistics are missing for South Korea?
No current reading is published for South Korea on Agricultural Irrigated Land, Carbon Intensity of Electricity, Coal Share of Electricity Generation, Environmentally Related Tax Revenue, Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation, Mangrove Area, Renewable Share of Electricity Generation, Solar Share of Electricity Generation, Tropical Moist Forest Deforestation and Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation. 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 39 statistics on this page come from 16 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
South Korea’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- South Korea (banner) — Unknown author, 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). South Korea: Environment & Sustainability — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/south-korea/environment