Mozambique flagEnvironment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Mozambique

Mozambique faces significant environmental challenges due to its vulnerability to climate change, with increased frequency and intensity of cyclones, floods, and droughts over the past decade. Extreme weather events caused over 1,016 deaths and affected 4.9 million people between 2019-2023. The country is advancing sustainability through initiatives like the Miombo Forest Preservation, National Climate Finance Strategy 2025–2034, and waste management programs, while committing to Paris Agreement NDCs with emission reduction targets.

Air Quality Index

Moderate
6.0/10
Stable trend

Air quality data is limited, with current average AQI and PM levels unavailable. Trend remains stable over 6 months. Industrial activities and biomass burning contribute to pollution, but specific government initiatives for monitoring are not detailed in recent reports.

Water Quality

Moderate
5.5/10

Water quality faces challenges from floods and cyclones contaminating sources. Access to clean water is limited in rural areas, with climate shocks disrupting supply. Government monitoring exists but data on treatment standards is sparse.

Adequate in urban areas with treatment, but rural access limited by disasters.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure is developing through the Programme for Sustainable Waste Management (ValoRE), implemented in three municipalities to improve systems and circular value chains, reducing landfill emissions.

Green Spaces

Mozambique promotes conservation via the Miombo Forest Preservation and Protection Initiative. Protected areas support biodiversity and carbon sinks, though exact counts are unavailable.

Forest Coverage: 35.5%
Expansion of protected areas included in NDC strategies for mitigation.

Environmental Policies

Mozambique's policies include NDC 3.0 under Paris Agreement targeting 15-25% emissions reduction by 2035, National Climate Finance Strategy 2025–2034, and sustainable waste management. Focus on low-emission growth and biodiversity.

Key Policies:
  • NDC 3.0 Emissions Reduction
  • National Climate Finance Strategy 2025-2034
  • ValoRE Waste Management
Renewable Energy: Targets under development in NDC.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Mozambique is among the world's most affected by extreme weather, with floods, cyclones, and droughts common. Ranked most affected in 2019 and third in Africa for hydrometeorological disasters.

floodscyclonesdroughts
Climate Change Impacts: Number and intensity of cyclones increased over past decade per 2024 State of the Climate Report. Extreme events 2019-2023: 1,016 deaths, 4.9M affected. Cyclone Chido (late 2024) severe. Temperature rise and precipitation changes amplify risks; 60% population coastal, 2/3 rural rainfed agriculture. Forecast severe floods Q1 2026.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

NDC 3.0 includes strategies for low-emission growth, though specific renewable targets under development.

Waste Management

ValoRE Programme strengthens sustainable waste infrastructure in municipalities, reducing emissions and promoting recycling.

Forest Preservation

Miombo Forest Preservation Initiative protects carbon sinks and biodiversity.

Wildlife & Nature

African Wild DogEndangered
ElephantVulnerable