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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Lithuania

Lithuania has made significant progress in environmental sustainability, with GHG emissions dropping over 62% since 1990, well below EU averages, and forest area expanding. Air quality is generally good and improving, though challenges persist in transport emissions and biodiversity conservation. The country targets 55% renewable energy by 2030 and shows rising climate-related economic losses from extreme weather.

Air Quality Index

Good

7.5/10

Stable trend

Lithuania's air quality remains generally good with a stable to improving trend per database data. Emissions of NOx, SOx, and PM2.5 have decreased since 2000, though some pollutants like PM10 stagnated. Population exposure to PM2.5 exceeds WHO guidelines but is below OECD averages. Government measures target further reductions in transport and agriculture.

Water Quality

Good

8.0/10

Major investments over 25 years have reduced urban wastewater pollutants discharged into surface waters up to threefold. Drinking water meets EU standards with high access to safe water. Diffuse pollution from agriculture remains a challenge, but overall quality is good with ongoing monitoring.

Lithuania provides safe drinking water compliant with strict EU treatment standards, with near-universal access.

Recycling System

Lithuania progresses in waste management with municipal waste generation decreasing since 2021 and increased WEEE collection since 2010. Investments in recycling infrastructure support EU circular economy goals, though specific rates unavailable.

Green Spaces

Forest area has grown over the past decade with rising average stand age. Protected areas cover nearly 18% of territory. Efforts include closer-to-nature forestry, wetland restoration, and biodiversity-friendly farming amid pressures from intensive agriculture and climate change.

Forest Coverage: 35.1%

National Parks: 5

Protected areas at 18% include national and regional parks; conservation status of habitats and species shows minimal improvement due to pollution and invasives.

Environmental Policies

Lithuania targets 70% GHG reduction by 2030 vs 1990, 55% renewables in final energy by 2030, and net-zero by 2050. Policies cover energy efficiency, building renovation, and EU alignment including Paris Agreement commitments.

Key Policies:

•National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030
•National Climate Change Management Agenda

Renewable Energy: 55% renewable energy share in final energy consumption by 2030, exceeding EU targets.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Common risks include floods, storms, and extreme precipitation. Economic losses from weather events rising to EUR 36 per person in 2023.

floodsstormsextreme precipitation

Climate Change Impacts: Mean temperature reached 7.4°C, +0.5°C vs 1981-2010 and +1.2°C vs 1961-1990. Extremely hot days (≥30°C) increased over threefold; frosty days decreased. Precipitation patterns vary regionally; extreme meteorological events: 21-23/year recently, hydrological 13-25/year. No significant wind speed trend but hurricane-force winds may rise. Losses rising due to climate change.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

National Energy and Climate Plan targets 55% renewables by 2030, exceeding EU goals, with focus on energy efficiency and building renovations.

Waste Management

Decreasing municipal waste since 2021, increased WEEE collection, and investments in recycling infrastructure for circular economy.

Biodiversity Protection

Transition to closer-to-nature forestry, wetland restoration, biodiversity-friendly farming, and invasive species control.

Wildlife & Nature

European BisonVulnerable

LynxNear Threatened

White StorkCommon

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