Legal Work Education Transport Social Retirement Environment Cost of Living Politics Emergency Climate

Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Algeria

Algeria faces significant environmental challenges as a major fossil fuel exporter with low renewable energy adoption (0.11% of energy use). Climate performance ranks low (51st in CCPI 2026), with rising GHG emissions and vulnerability to heat risks and droughts. Air quality remains stable per database trends, but data gaps persist. Sustainability efforts include NDC targets for 27% renewable electricity by 2030, though implementation lags. Extreme weather frequency is increasing amid warming trends.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

6.0/10

Stable trend

Air quality data shows stable 6-month AQI trend per database. Limited specific AQI metrics available; industrial fossil fuel activities contribute to pollution, but no recent worsening reported. Urban areas like Algiers face moderate concerns from energy sector emissions.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.5/10

Water quality faces challenges from arid conditions and pollution; access to clean water is limited in rural areas. Government monitors treatment, but scarcity and contamination from industry pose risks. No comprehensive recent ratings available.

Standards exist but enforcement varies; treatment needed in many regions due to desalination reliance.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure is underdeveloped with no database data on rates or types. Waste management lags behind, tied to fossil fuel economy; limited programs exist in urban areas.

Green Spaces

Forest coverage is low at approximately 1%, with protected areas including national parks like Ahaggar. Desertification limits green spaces; conservation efforts focus on Sahara ecosystems.

Forest Coverage: 1.0%

National Parks: 11

National parks cover key biodiversity hotspots, but climate change exacerbates desert expansion.

Environmental Policies

Algeria submitted NDC in 2015 targeting 7-22% GHG reduction by 2030 and 27% renewable electricity. Paris Agreement signatory, but CCPI rates climate policy very low due to poor implementation. Fossil fuel dependency hinders progress.

Key Policies:

•NDC 2015 with 2030 targets
•Renewable Energy Development Plan 2015

Renewable Energy: 27% renewable electricity by 2030; current share 0.11%.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Common disasters include floods, droughts, earthquakes, and heatwaves. Algeria ranks in Climate Risk Index for impacts.

floodsdroughtsearthquakesheatwaves

Climate Change Impacts: Algiers climate severity score worsened 6.03% over 15 years to 48/100 in 2025. Heat risks rising per World Bank maps; increased drought and flood frequency linked to warming. Historic emissions contribute 0.34% to global total since 1850, with per capita 5.45 tCO2e/yr. GHG emissions rising, energy sector 80% of total.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

2015 Renewable Energy Plan targets 27% electricity from renewables by 2030; current 0.11%. NDC aims 7-22% GHG cut. Investments needed USD 1.4-4.8 bn/yr 2026-2030 for 1.5°C alignment.

Climate Data Tracking

ICAT project launched for improved GHG inventory and tracking to support evidence-based policies.

Energy Transition

Plans to diversify from fossil fuels, including biomass research and post-fossil fuel strategy recommendations.

Wildlife & Nature

Saharan UromastyxVulnerable

AddaxCritically Endangered

Fennec FoxCommon

More Insights for your Move to Algeria

Comprehensive guides and data-driven analysis.

View all Algeria Guides & Categories11 in-depth guides for expats & digital nomads

nestfainder.ai