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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein demonstrates strong environmental performance with declining greenhouse gas emissions, high recycling rates exceeding EU targets for most materials, and ambitious climate goals including 55% reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 relative to 1990 levels. Forest coverage is substantial, biodiversity faces pressures from land use, and air quality trends positively while water shows slight negative trends. The country benefits from mild climate but faces risks from floods and droughts.

Air Quality Index

Good

8.0/10

Stable trend

Air quality in Liechtenstein shows positive trends with 6 out of 7 indicators developing favorably. PM2.5 levels in Vaduz averaged 12 μg/m³ in 2022, below EU limit of 30. Nitrogen dioxide at 8 μg/m³ and ozone hours above 120 μg/m³ at 147, within limits. Database indicates stable AQI trend.

Water Quality

Excellent

8.5/10

Drinking water consumption averages 796 liters per inhabitant per day. Groundwater nitrate levels monitored with quality targets in place. Overall water trend slightly negative but standards ensure safe drinking water through strict treatment and monitoring.

High safety standards with consumption including industrial use; quality targets met for key pollutants like nitrate.

Recycling System

Liechtenstein achieves high recycling rates: municipal waste 65.6% in 2023, packaging 72.2% in 2021. Meets 2025 targets for paper, cardboard, aluminium, ferrous, glass; at risk for plastic (off by 18.6%) and wood. Landfilling at 0%, exceeding 2035 target.

Recycling Rate: 65.6%

papercardboardaluminiumferrousglass

Green Spaces

Liechtenstein features significant forest coverage around 35-48% with high biotope value areas at 48% in 2022. Biodiversity pressured by population growth and land use, with threatened native species noted across groups. Neutral trends in forests and landscape.

Forest Coverage: 35.0%

National Parks: 0

Substantial forest areas with high ecological value; no national parks but protected biotope forests.

Environmental Policies

Liechtenstein adopted Climate Strategy 2050 targeting net-zero by 2050, 55% GHG reduction by 2030, 68% by 2035 vs 1990. Paris Agreement compliant with falling emissions. Strong SDG implementation on sustainability, though challenges in mobility and biodiversity.

Key Policies:

•Climate Strategy 2050
•Second NDC 2035
•Emission Trading Act alignment

Renewable Energy: Net-zero by 2050 requires increased renewable spending; high fossil fuel dependence targeted.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Common risks include floods, droughts, landslides due to mountainous terrain. Mild Föhn-influenced climate but exposed to extreme weather.

floodsdroughtslandslides

Climate Change Impacts: GHG emissions declined to 164,400 t CO2eq in 2022 from 1990 baseline of ~228 kt, but still high vs Paris goals. No specific 10-20 year temperature data available; increased extreme events like drought/floods noted. Adaptation includes erosion control, early warning for agriculture, artificial irrigation planned. Positive climate indicator trends.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Climate Strategy 2050 aims for net-zero by 2050 with 90% domestic reductions; amending Emission Trading Act to EU standards. Increased spending on renewables needed.

Waste Management

High recycling rates with 0% landfilling; meets most 2025 packaging targets. Focus on improving plastic and wood recycling to meet EEA standards.

Climate Adaptation

Agricultural resilience measures: erosion control, early warning systems for pests, planned irrigation and heat stress avoidance.

Wildlife & Nature

Native plant speciesVulnerable

Native animal speciesEndangered

Forest biotope speciesRecovering

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