Palestine flagEnvironment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Palestine

Palestine faces severe environmental challenges exacerbated by occupation, conflict, and climate change vulnerability. Forest cover has declined from 124 sq mi in 1970 to 95 sq mi in 2023 (4% land coverage). Water scarcity is acute, with Palestinians allocated 82.4L per capita daily vs Israel's 247L. Recent Gaza war caused massive ecocide: 80% tree loss by 2025, 50M tonnes debris, sewage pollution. Temperatures rising, precipitation may drop 30% by century end. Air quality deteriorating in areas like Qalqilya.

Air Quality Index

Moderate
5.0/10
Stable trend

Air quality data unavailable (N/A AQI), but stable trend per database. Deforestation and urbanization worsened pollution; Qalqilya had 1 unhealthy day in 2018 vs 88 in 2024. Conflict debris and bombing particulates increase suspended matter.

Water Quality

Poor
3.5/10

Chronic water scarcity and pollution; Palestinians get 82.4L/capita/day vs Israel's 247L. Gaza war destroyed infrastructure, discharging 130,000m³ sewage daily into sea, contaminating groundwater with toxins/munitions. High dehydration/disease risk (typhoid).

Collapse of supplies post-Oct 2023; sewage untreated due to fuel blockade.

Recycling System

No database data (N/A rate, no types). Conflict devastation limits infrastructure; Gaza waste disposal collapsed, contributing to sewage/sea pollution. No specific recycling programs identified amid crisis.

Green Spaces

Forest cover critically low at 4% (95 sq mi in 2023 vs 124 sq mi 1970). Settlements destroyed reserves; Gaza lost 48% trees Oct2023-Mar2024, 80% by Jan2025. Biodiversity harmed, local temps rise.

Forest Coverage: 4.0%
National Parks: 0
Settlements encroached on reserves (e.g., Karnei Shomron 23 acres, Ginot Shomron 5 acres).

Environmental Policies

Limited enforcement due to occupation/lack sovereignty. National disaster risk reduction strategy since 2015 aligns with Sendai Framework. Challenges: water/land contamination, desertification, unsustainable management.

Key Policies:
  • National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2015)
  • Sendai Framework alignment

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Prone to earthquakes, floods, droughts, landslides. Gaza war created wasteland unable to sustain life.

earthquakesfloodsdroughtslandslides
Climate Change Impacts: Mediterranean zone: temps increased past 50yrs; IPCC projects +2.2-5.1°C, precipitation -30% vs 1961-1990 by 2100. Intensified desertification; agriculture hit hard. Vulnerability high despite low emissions.

Sustainability Initiatives

Disaster Risk Reduction

National strategy implemented since 2015 aligned with Sendai Framework to address earthquakes, floods, droughts.

Statistical Development

Palestine Data Strategy 2022-2026 for sustainable development monitoring and innovation in statistics.

Wildlife & Nature

Palestinian Mountain GazelleVulnerable
Nubian IbexVulnerable
Palestinian Wild AssCritically Endangered