Cambodia flagEnvironment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Cambodia

Cambodia faces significant environmental challenges including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerabilities like floods and droughts. The country has committed to ambitious GHG reduction targets in its 2025 NDC 3.0, aiming for 55% reduction by 2035 with conditional support, while advancing renewable energy to 72% and halving deforestation by 2030. Air quality remains stable but data limited; high hazard exposure affects 90% of population.

Air Quality Index

Moderate
6.0/10
Stable trend

Air quality data is limited with current AQI and PM levels N/A; 6-month trend stable. Cambodia held a 2025 clean air event advancing science-based solutions. Urban areas face pollution from traffic and industry, rural less affected; government initiatives focus on monitoring and clean technologies.

Water Quality

Moderate
5.5/10

Water quality faces challenges from agricultural runoff, pesticides, and soil degradation; 70% of pesticide users report soil issues impacting water. Access to clean water varies, with rural areas relying on surface sources vulnerable to pollution. Government monitors via environment ministry but treatment standards need strengthening.

Drinking water safety concerns in rural areas due to contamination; urban supplies treated but quality inconsistent.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure limited with average rate N/A%; no specific types listed in database. Waste sector targets 59% GHG reduction by 2035 via segregation, composting, reduced burning. Challenges persist in collection and management.

Green Spaces

Forests degrading rapidly; 64% women, 58% men report primary forest loss. NDC targets halving deforestation by 2030, expanding forest cover. Protected areas exist but biodiversity declining; agroforestry scaled up.

Forest Coverage: 52.0%
National Parks: 6
Key protected areas include Virachey National Park and Cardamom Mountains; facing encroachment and degradation.

Environmental Policies

Cambodia's NDC 3.0 sets 16% unconditional, 55% conditional GHG cuts by 2035. Policies cover energy efficiency, renewable adoption, waste management, FOLU protection. Submitted NAP in 2021; engages Paris Agreement and funds like GCF.

Key Policies:
  • NDC 3.0 GHG Reduction
  • National Adaptation Plan 2021
  • REDD+ Framework
Renewable Energy: 72% renewable share by 2035 (80% conditional), phase out coal, grid modernization.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

High exposure: 90% population in high-risk areas, 99% experienced at least one hazard. Common disasters: floods, droughts, storms.

floodsdroughtsstorms
Climate Change Impacts: Climate change drives agricultural yield drops, increased pesticide use leading to degradation. Forests disappearing rapidly, reducing resilience. Precipitation patterns shifting with more extremes; coastal sea level rise threatens Mekong Delta areas. Temperature rise over 1°C last 20 years in SE Asia per regional trends, increasing heatwaves and flood frequency.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Target 72% renewable energy in installed capacity by 2035 (80% conditional), promote clean cooking (60% adoption), energy efficiency, grid modernization, phase out coal.

Waste Management

59% GHG reduction in waste sector by 2035 via segregation, collection improvements, composting expansion, reduced open burning, landfill optimization.

Forestry

Halve deforestation by 2030, expand forest cover, scale agroforestry, REDD+ projects.

Wildlife & Nature

Siamese CrocodileCritically Endangered
Eld's DeerEndangered
Giant IbisCritically Endangered