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Environment & Sustainability Guide · Bahrain

Environment & Sustainability Guide in Bahrain

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies

Bahrain faces significant environmental challenges due to its arid climate, heavy reliance on oil, and vulnerability to sea level rise. Air quality remains stable amid urban growth and industrial activity. Water scarcity is acute with 100% desalinated supply, while sustainability efforts focus on renewable energy targets and waste management. Climate change exacerbates heatwaves and coastal risks.

Air Quality Index

0510

Moderate

6.0/10(AQI: N/A)

Stable trend

Bahrain's air quality is stable per database trends, influenced by oil industry emissions, dust storms, and traffic. PM10 levels often exceed WHO guidelines due to desert dust. Government monitors via 11 stations, showing moderate urban pollution.

Water Quality

0510

Good

8.0/10

Bahrain produces 100% desalinated water meeting WHO standards for drinking. Treatment ensures safety, but high salinity and TDS require ongoing monitoring. Brackish groundwater supplements supply amid severe scarcity.

Desalinated water safe after multi-stage treatment; 99% access to improved sources.

Recycling System

Bahrain's recycling rate is low at ~10-15%, with infrastructure focused on construction waste (70% diverted). Municipal solid waste recycling limited; programs target plastics and paper via private operators.

Recycling Rate: 12.0%

plasticpapermetalconstruction waste

Green Spaces

Forest coverage is minimal at 1.4% due to desert environment. Protected areas include Al Areen Wildlife Park and Hawar Islands Reserve. Urban greening initiatives plant mangroves and native species.

Forest Coverage: 1.4%

National Parks: 2

Hawar Islands (UNESCO site, bird sanctuary); Al Areen (500+ species protected).

Environmental Policies

Bahrain ratified Paris Agreement, targets 20% renewables by 2035 via National Renewable Energy Action Plan. Plastic bag ban since 2019; Supreme Council for Environment enforces regulations.

Key Policies:

•National Biodiversity Strategy
•Waste Management Strategy 2022-2026
•Green Bahrain Initiative

Renewable Energy: 20% renewable energy by 2035, focusing on solar.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Primary risks: dust storms, flash floods, heatwaves. Coastal flooding from sea level rise. No major earthquakes; occasional sandstorms disrupt life.

flash floodsdust stormsheatwaves

Climate Change Impacts: Temperatures rose 1.2°C (1991-2020 average), heatwaves increased 30% frequency. Extreme temps >45°C more common; precipitation erratic with intense floods (e.g., 2022 floods affected 10,000+). Sea level rise 3.5mm/year threatens 20% coastline by 2050.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

National Renewable Energy Action Plan targets 710MW solar by 2025, 20% total energy by 2035. 200MW solar plants operational.

Waste Management

Waste Strategy 2022-2026 aims 60% landfill diversion via recycling hubs, incineration. Askar Landfill methane capture operational.

Water Conservation

Eskan Bin Zayed project reuses 150,000 m³/day treated wastewater for irrigation, reducing desalination demand.

Wildlife & Nature

Socotra CormorantVulnerable

Arabian OryxVulnerable

Hawar CheetahCritically Endangered

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