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

Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Gambia

The Gambia faces significant climate vulnerabilities despite contributing less than 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The country ranks among the top 100 most climate-vulnerable nations globally and is particularly threatened by coastal erosion and sea-level rise. However, The Gambia has committed to climate-neutral development by 2050 and is implementing mitigation strategies across energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors.

Air Quality Index

Moderate

6.5/10

Stable trend

The Gambia lacks comprehensive real-time air quality monitoring data. Air quality challenges are primarily driven by agricultural activities, biomass burning, and Saharan dust transport. The country has limited industrial pollution sources but faces seasonal air quality variations.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.5/10

The Gambia faces significant water quality challenges with inadequate data collection systems. Municipal solid waste generation (438 tons/day in baseline year, projected to reach 1,295 tons/day by 2025) impacts water resources. Access to clean drinking water remains a development priority, with water treatment infrastructure requiring expansion.

Water safety standards exist but implementation varies. The country prioritizes improving water treatment capacity and reducing contamination from waste management inadequacies.

Recycling System

The Gambia lacks a formal, comprehensive recycling infrastructure. Waste management is a critical challenge with municipal solid waste generation expected to increase from 438 tons/day to 1,295 tons/day by 2025. The country is developing waste management policies as part of its climate mitigation strategy but recycling rates remain undocumented.

Green Spaces

The Gambia's land sector, accounting for approximately one-third of national emissions, has transitioned from a net carbon sink to a net carbon source. Deforestation is a critical concern; if current rates continue, the government warns forests could be eliminated by 2050. Afforestation initiatives are underway, with projected emission reductions of 220.3 GgCO2e in 2020, 275.4 GgCO2e in 2025, and 330.5 GgCO2e in 2030.

Forest Coverage: 48.0%

The Gambia has implemented policies to reverse deforestation trends, including community-based tree planting and afforestation programs. Protected areas are being expanded as part of climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Environmental Policies

The Gambia has established comprehensive climate commitments including a Long-Term Strategy for climate-neutral development by 2050 (submitted September 2022) and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The country targets 44.4% emission reductions by 2025 and 45.4% by 2030 (excluding LULUCF). Key sectors include renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, and afforestation.

Key Policies:

•Long-Term Climate-Neutral Development Strategy 2050
•Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
•Renewable energy transition and sustainable energy systems
•Afforestation and forest protection programs
•Waste management and circular economy initiatives
•Agricultural efficiency improvements (rice production optimization)

Renewable Energy: The Gambia aims to generate 56% of energy needs through renewable sources by 2050. Renewable energy implementation is projected to contribute 45.6 GgCO2e reductions in 2020, 78.5 GgCO2e in 2025, and 104 GgCO2e in 2030. Transitioning to renewable energy would align the country with a 1.5°C-compatible climate pathway.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

The Gambia is among the top 100 countries most vulnerable to climate change and ranks among the top ten globally most vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea-level rise. The country faces increasing frequency of extreme weather events including flooding and heavy rainfall. Recent flooding events (2024) resulted in at least 11 fatalities and displaced over 5,000 people.

Coastal erosion and sea-level riseFlooding and heavy rainfallDroughts affecting agricultureHeat waves

Climate Change Impacts: The Gambia's LULUCF sector emissions increased over 200% from 2000 (0.52 MtCO2e) to 2010 (1.18 MtCO2e), transitioning from a net carbon sink (until 1998) to a net carbon source from 1999 onwards. Rising temperatures and poor infrastructure have exacerbated flooding impacts. Without mitigation action, total GHG emissions are projected to increase from 6,329 GgCO2e in 2020 to 15,894 GgCO2e by 2050. Climate change threatens agriculture (24.8% of GDP), with crop failures increasing and precipitation patterns becoming more erratic. Two-thirds of Gambians (67%) report climate change is making life worse, with 37% reporting worsening floods and 33% reporting increased crop failures.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy Transition

The Gambia is implementing renewable energy systems to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security. Renewable energy generation is projected to contribute 45.6 GgCO2e reductions in 2020, 78.5 GgCO2e in 2025, and 104 GgCO2e in 2030. Transitioning to affordable, sustainable renewable energy would align the country with a 1.5°C-compatible climate pathway and avoid carbon-intensive technology lock-in.

Afforestation and Forest Protection

The Gambia is implementing community-based afforestation programs with annual tree planting and care initiatives. Afforestation is projected to contribute emission reductions of 220.3 GgCO2e in 2020, 275.4 GgCO2e in 2025, and 330.5 GgCO2e in 2030. These initiatives aim to reverse the transition of the land sector from a net carbon sink to a net carbon source and prevent forest elimination by 2050.

Agricultural Efficiency

The Gambia is promoting efficiency improvements in rice production, a critical agricultural sector. Rice production efficiency measures are projected to achieve emission reductions of 437.8 GgCO2e in 2020, 707.0 GgCO2e in 2025, and 2030. These initiatives support both climate mitigation and food security in a country where agriculture contributes 24.8% to GDP.

Waste Management Reform

The Gambia is developing comprehensive waste management policies to address rapid increases in municipal solid waste (from 438 tons/day to projected 1,295 tons/day by 2025). The country is implementing waste reduction and management strategies as part of its climate mitigation framework, with public support for bans on tree cutting for fuel and charcoal production.

Wildlife & Nature

West African ManateeVulnerable

African Fish EagleCommon

Spotted HyenaCommon

More Insights for your Move to Gambia

Comprehensive guides and data-driven analysis.

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

nestfainder.ai