Environmental Sustainability
#21Key Findings
In the category of environmental sustainability, Latvia falls into the lower-middle ranks (rank 21).
Latvia’s climate action plan for 2030 lacks a clear road map to climate neutrality. Overall greenhouse gas emissions per capita have increased over the past decade, although the growth rate for CO2 emissions has declined.
The country has made progress in areas such as reducing air pollution and improving water and sanitation quality. Agriculture and timber industries compete with conservation efforts. In some cases, the state has limited development to protect biodiversity, but the compensation provided to property owners is insufficient to cover economic losses.
By 2027, the country plans to devote at least 30% of development cooperation funds to climate initiatives.
Latvia’s climate action plan for 2030 lacks a clear road map to climate neutrality. Overall greenhouse gas emissions per capita have increased over the past decade, although the growth rate for CO2 emissions has declined.
The country has made progress in areas such as reducing air pollution and improving water and sanitation quality. Agriculture and timber industries compete with conservation efforts. In some cases, the state has limited development to protect biodiversity, but the compensation provided to property owners is insufficient to cover economic losses.
By 2027, the country plans to devote at least 30% of development cooperation funds to climate initiatives.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
In 2019, Latvia approved its plans for climate action by 2030, outlining approximately 80 activities across all main spheres of climate change. The plan is structured around five strategic goals: protection of health and well-being from the effects of climate change, adaptability of the economy, climate-resilient infrastructure and buildings, protection of cultural and historical values from the impact of climate change, and evidence-based monitoring and forecasting of climate change. The specific actions in the plan are risk-based, and no clear road map to climate neutrality is identified. However, the plan does not foresee additional budget allocation or a lack of monitoring indicators.
In the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2023, Latvia ranks 15th in the world, indicating that the country is performing well in achieving its environmental goals. With almost half of its territory covered by forests, Latvia excels in ecosystem vitality and biodiversity. However, in climate policy, the Environmental Performance Index 2023 places Latvia only at the 25th position. According to EPI 2023, Latvia has increased its greenhouse gas emissions per capita over the last ten years, resulting in a ranking of 124th. Overall, in the past decade, Latvia has increased its adjusted emissions growth rate for methane (78th) while successfully decreasing its adjusted emissions growth rate for carbon dioxide (19th) (EPI, 2023).
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2024 ranks Latvia 25th in 2023 and 33rd in 2024, indicating that Latvia still needs to increase its investment in green energy and design more sector-driven climate change mitigation activities.
Latvia has a centralized governance system for environmental protection. EU acquis plays a vital role, with two important agencies at the heart – the Ministry of Regional Development and Environmental Protection and the Nature Conservation Agency. Public procurement procedures have adopted green procurement as part of the action to fight climate change.
Citations:
Ministru kabinets. 2019. Par Latvijas pielāgošanās klimata pārmaiņām plānu laika posmam līdz 2030. gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/308330-par-latvijas-pielagosanas-klimata-parmainam-planu-laika-posmam-lidz-2030-gadam
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi
CCPI 2024: Ranking and Results. https://ccpi.org/
In the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2023, Latvia ranks 15th in the world, indicating that the country is performing well in achieving its environmental goals. With almost half of its territory covered by forests, Latvia excels in ecosystem vitality and biodiversity. However, in climate policy, the Environmental Performance Index 2023 places Latvia only at the 25th position. According to EPI 2023, Latvia has increased its greenhouse gas emissions per capita over the last ten years, resulting in a ranking of 124th. Overall, in the past decade, Latvia has increased its adjusted emissions growth rate for methane (78th) while successfully decreasing its adjusted emissions growth rate for carbon dioxide (19th) (EPI, 2023).
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2024 ranks Latvia 25th in 2023 and 33rd in 2024, indicating that Latvia still needs to increase its investment in green energy and design more sector-driven climate change mitigation activities.
Latvia has a centralized governance system for environmental protection. EU acquis plays a vital role, with two important agencies at the heart – the Ministry of Regional Development and Environmental Protection and the Nature Conservation Agency. Public procurement procedures have adopted green procurement as part of the action to fight climate change.
Citations:
Ministru kabinets. 2019. Par Latvijas pielāgošanās klimata pārmaiņām plānu laika posmam līdz 2030. gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/308330-par-latvijas-pielagosanas-klimata-parmainam-planu-laika-posmam-lidz-2030-gadam
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi
CCPI 2024: Ranking and Results. https://ccpi.org/
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
Latvia is ranked 39th in the Environmental Performance Index 2022 for environmental health protection. The country is making improvements in all “Environmental Health” indicators, such as PM2.5 exposure, ozone exposure, unsafe drinking water, and sanitation, demonstrating a serious commitment to environmental sustainability.
The goals for environmental health protection are outlined in the national policy paper “The White Paper on Environmental Policy” and the national plan “Action Plan for Air Pollution Reduction 2020–2030.” The White Paper on Environmental Policy is a comprehensive, cross-sectoral document that addresses key areas related to environmental health protections, including air pollution, water quality, and sanitation.
Policy papers in Latvia are binding for public administration, and agencies regularly monitor their implementation. According to the Environmental Protection Law (2006), environmental monitoring is conducted through programs such as the Air and Climate Change Monitoring Program, the Water Monitoring Program, and the Land Monitoring Program, covering all critical areas for environmental health protection.
Citations:
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi
Ministru kabinets. 2022. Vides politikas pamatnostādnes 2021.–2027. Gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/335137-par-vides-politikas-pamatnostadnem-2021-2027-gadam
Ministru kabinets. 2020. “Gaisa piesārņojuma samazināšanas rīcības plāns 2020.–2030. Gadam.” Approved April 16. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/314078-par-gaisa-piesarnojuma-samazinasanas-ricibas-planu-2020-2030-gadam
European Environmental Agency. 2023. “Latvia – Air Pollution Country Fact Sheet.” https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air/country-fact-sheets/2023-country-fact-sheets/latvia-air-pollution-country
Cabinet of Ministers. 2006. Environmental Protection Law. https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/147917-environmental-protection-law
The goals for environmental health protection are outlined in the national policy paper “The White Paper on Environmental Policy” and the national plan “Action Plan for Air Pollution Reduction 2020–2030.” The White Paper on Environmental Policy is a comprehensive, cross-sectoral document that addresses key areas related to environmental health protections, including air pollution, water quality, and sanitation.
Policy papers in Latvia are binding for public administration, and agencies regularly monitor their implementation. According to the Environmental Protection Law (2006), environmental monitoring is conducted through programs such as the Air and Climate Change Monitoring Program, the Water Monitoring Program, and the Land Monitoring Program, covering all critical areas for environmental health protection.
Citations:
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi
Ministru kabinets. 2022. Vides politikas pamatnostādnes 2021.–2027. Gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/335137-par-vides-politikas-pamatnostadnem-2021-2027-gadam
Ministru kabinets. 2020. “Gaisa piesārņojuma samazināšanas rīcības plāns 2020.–2030. Gadam.” Approved April 16. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/314078-par-gaisa-piesarnojuma-samazinasanas-ricibas-planu-2020-2030-gadam
European Environmental Agency. 2023. “Latvia – Air Pollution Country Fact Sheet.” https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air/country-fact-sheets/2023-country-fact-sheets/latvia-air-pollution-country
Cabinet of Ministers. 2006. Environmental Protection Law. https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/147917-environmental-protection-law
Graph View
How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Latvia boasts a diverse ecosystem, including forests, grasslands, coastal areas, and peatlands. In the Environmental Performance Index 2022, Latvia is ranked first for terrestrial and marine protected areas. However, for the species protection index, Latvia is ranked 33rd, and for the biodiversity habitat index, it is ranked 69th (EPI, 2022).
Regarding tree cover loss, wetland cover loss, and grassland loss, Latvia is expected to improve its performance. The country is ranked 148th for tree cover loss, 114th for grassland loss, and 56th for wetland loss, largely due to the significance of the agriculture and timber industries in Latvia. Extensive agriculture and timber industry interests often compete with most habitats and species. Therefore, education and awareness of conservation farming and timber methods are essential in Latvia.
Additionally, pesticide use in agriculture is decreasing. Latvia is ranked 21st in the Environmental Performance Index 2022. The national policy paper, “The White Paper of Environmental Policy 2021 – 2027,” also sets goals for biodiversity protection.
Governance of territories with special protection status, such as Natura 2000 sites, nature parks, nature reserves, biosphere reserves, protected landscape areas, natural monuments, and protected marine areas, is entrusted to the Nature Protection Agency. To preserve these areas, medium-term conservation plans – typically spanning 7 to 15 years – aim to balance economic interests and sustainability. As a rule, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development approves these conservation plans. Once approved, the plans are binding at both central and local levels of governance. However, implementing these conservation plans requires more financial and human resources.
At the same time, to help preserve biodiversity, the country has imposed a few restrictions, often limiting the rights of property owners. Therefore, the government offers monetary compensation for these restrictions. However, the compensation amount does not cover the economic losses property owners incur due to environmental regulations, leading to a lack of motivation to preserve nature. In 2022 and 2023, Latvia continued its efforts in ecosystem mapping to identify the status of ecosystems based on data.
Citations:
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi
Ministru kabinets. 2022. Vides politikas pamatnostādnes 2021.–2027. Gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/335137-par-vides-politikas-pamatnostadnem-2021-2027-gadam
Dabas aizsardzības pārvalde. 2023. “Bioloģiskās daudzvedības pārskati.” https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/biologiskas-daudzveidibas-parskati
OECD. 2019. Environmental Performance Reviews: Latvia 2019. OECD. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/75cddf7a-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/75cddf7a-en
Regarding tree cover loss, wetland cover loss, and grassland loss, Latvia is expected to improve its performance. The country is ranked 148th for tree cover loss, 114th for grassland loss, and 56th for wetland loss, largely due to the significance of the agriculture and timber industries in Latvia. Extensive agriculture and timber industry interests often compete with most habitats and species. Therefore, education and awareness of conservation farming and timber methods are essential in Latvia.
Additionally, pesticide use in agriculture is decreasing. Latvia is ranked 21st in the Environmental Performance Index 2022. The national policy paper, “The White Paper of Environmental Policy 2021 – 2027,” also sets goals for biodiversity protection.
Governance of territories with special protection status, such as Natura 2000 sites, nature parks, nature reserves, biosphere reserves, protected landscape areas, natural monuments, and protected marine areas, is entrusted to the Nature Protection Agency. To preserve these areas, medium-term conservation plans – typically spanning 7 to 15 years – aim to balance economic interests and sustainability. As a rule, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development approves these conservation plans. Once approved, the plans are binding at both central and local levels of governance. However, implementing these conservation plans requires more financial and human resources.
At the same time, to help preserve biodiversity, the country has imposed a few restrictions, often limiting the rights of property owners. Therefore, the government offers monetary compensation for these restrictions. However, the compensation amount does not cover the economic losses property owners incur due to environmental regulations, leading to a lack of motivation to preserve nature. In 2022 and 2023, Latvia continued its efforts in ecosystem mapping to identify the status of ecosystems based on data.
Citations:
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi
Ministru kabinets. 2022. Vides politikas pamatnostādnes 2021.–2027. Gadam. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/335137-par-vides-politikas-pamatnostadnem-2021-2027-gadam
Dabas aizsardzības pārvalde. 2023. “Bioloģiskās daudzvedības pārskati.” https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/biologiskas-daudzveidibas-parskati
OECD. 2019. Environmental Performance Reviews: Latvia 2019. OECD. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/75cddf7a-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/75cddf7a-en
Graph View
To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
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9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
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7
6
7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
4
3
4
3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
Latvia is committed to contributing to global environmental protection and climate change mitigation, as it ranks 25th for climate policy measures in the Environmental Performance Index 2022.
Latvia has a centralized environmental governance system that enables the design of national nature conservation plans and comprehensive, cross-sectoral policy tools. Thematic priorities for bilateral and multilateral development cooperation focus on climate action (SDG 13). Latvia is committed to strengthening human and institutional capacity for climate action, with a key performance indicator that 30% of financed development cooperation will be targeted to climate action by 2027.
Citations:
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi (accessed 28.12.2023)
The Cabinet of Ministers. 2021. Development cooperation policy guidelines for 2021-2027. https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/322455-development-cooperation-policy-guidelines-for-2021-2027
Latvia has a centralized environmental governance system that enables the design of national nature conservation plans and comprehensive, cross-sectoral policy tools. Thematic priorities for bilateral and multilateral development cooperation focus on climate action (SDG 13). Latvia is committed to strengthening human and institutional capacity for climate action, with a key performance indicator that 30% of financed development cooperation will be targeted to climate action by 2027.
Citations:
Wolf, M. J., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. 2022. 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/epi (accessed 28.12.2023)
The Cabinet of Ministers. 2021. Development cooperation policy guidelines for 2021-2027. https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/322455-development-cooperation-policy-guidelines-for-2021-2027