The CIA World Factbook Edition 1995 Geography

Environment - current issues In 35 editions of 36.

Environment - current issues was published in 35 editions of the CIA World Factbook, from 1990 to 2025. The 1995 edition carries it in 266 entries, in its Geography section, under the heading “Environment”. Every entry is shown as that edition published it.

entries in the 1995 edition
266
the first edition with it
1990
the latest edition with it
2025

Published as “Environment - current issues” (1997 to 2025), “Environment” (1990 to 1996), “Environment--current issues” (1999) and “Environment-current issues” (1998), and under 1 other heading in a few entries, mostly where the source split this field into parts.

the entry has the field in that editionnot in that editionthe open editionEach entry below ends in its editions with Environment - current issues, 1990 to 2025. Point at a year above to follow it down; choose one in a row to read that edition’s text there.

1995

Every edition with Environment - current issues

Entries with Environment - current issues in each edition

19902000201020202025

Select a bar to open that edition.

World

1 entry

World

current issues:
  • large areas subject to overpopulation,
  • industrial disasters,
  • pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances),
  • loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification),
  • loss of wildlife,
  • soil degradation,
  • soil depletion,
  • erosion
natural hazards:
large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones), natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions)
international agreements:
23 selected international environmental agreements included under the Environment entry for each country and
in Appendix E:
Selected International Environmental Agreements

Africa

62 entries

Algeria

current issues:
  • soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices;
  • desertification;
  • dumping of raw sewage, petroleum refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers and coastal waters;
  • Mediterranean Sea, in particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and fertilizer runoff;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards:
mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mudslides
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Angola

current issues:
  • population pressures contributing to overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • deforestation of tropical rain forest attributable to the international demand for tropical timber and domestic use as a fuel;
  • deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity;
  • soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards:
locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau
international agreements:
  • party to - Law of the Sea;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Desertification

Bassas Da India now Bassas da India

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones
international agreements:
NA

Benin

current issues:
  • recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • poaching threatens wildlife populations;
  • deforestation;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
  • hot,
  • dry,
  • dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea

Botswana

current issues:
  • overgrazing, primarily as a result of the expansion of the cattle population;
  • desertification;
  • limited natural fresh water resources
natural hazards:
  • periodic droughts;
  • seasonal August winds blow from the west,
  • carrying sand and dust across the country,
  • which can obscure visibility
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity

Burkina now Burkina Faso

current issues:
  • recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil degradation;
  • deforestation
natural hazards:
recurring droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Burundi

current issues:
  • soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands;
  • deforestation (little forested land remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel);
  • habitat loss threatens wildlife populations
natural hazards:
flooding, landslides
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Desertification,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Nuclear Test Ban

Cape Verde now Cabo Verde

current issues:
  • overgrazing of livestock and improper land use such as the cultivation of crops on steep slopes has led to soil erosion;
  • demand for wood used as fuel has resulted in deforestation;
  • desertification;
  • environmental damage has threatened several indigenous species of birds and reptiles;
  • overfishing
natural hazards:
  • prolonged droughts;
  • harmattan wind can obscure visibility;
  • volcanically and seismically active
international agreements:
  • party to - Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification

Cameroon

current issues:
  • water-borne diseases are prevalent;
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • desertification;
  • poaching;
  • overfishing
natural hazards:
recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 94

Central African Republic

current issues:
  • tap water is not potable;
  • poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
  • hot,
  • dry,
  • dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas;
  • floods are common
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Chad

current issues:
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
  • hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north;
  • periodic droughts;
  • locust plagues
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Comoros

current issues:
soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation
natural hazards:
cyclones and tsunamis possible during rainy season (December to April); Mount Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Zaire now Democratic Republic of the Congo

current issues:
  • poaching threatens wildlife populations;
  • water pollution;
  • deforestation;
  • 1.2 million Rwandan refugees are responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching in eastern Zaire
natural hazards:
periodic droughts in south; volcanic activity
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Environmental Modification

Congo now Republic of the Congo

current issues:
  • air pollution from vehicle emissions;
  • water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage;
  • tap water is not potable;
  • deforestation
natural hazards:
seasonal flooding
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94

Cote D'ivoire now Cote d'Ivoire

current issues:
  • deforestation (most of the country's forests - once the largest in West Africa - have been cleared by the timber industry);
  • water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents
natural hazards:
coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Djibouti

current issues:
inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification
natural hazards:
  • earthquakes;
  • droughts;
  • occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Climate Change,
  • Desertification

Egypt

current issues:
  • agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands;
  • increasing soil salinization below Aswan High Dam;
  • desertification;
  • oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats;
  • other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, raw sewage, and industrial effluents;
  • very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source;
  • rapid growth in population overstraining natural resources
natural hazards:
  • periodic droughts;
  • frequent earthquakes, flash floods, landslides, volcanic activity;
  • hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring;
  • duststorms, sandstorms
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Tropical Timber 94

Equatorial Guinea

current issues:
tap water is not potable; desertification
natural hazards:
violent windstorms
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Desertification,
  • Law of the Sea

Eritrea

current issues:
  • famine;
  • deforestation;
  • desertification;
  • soil erosion;
  • overgrazing;
  • loss of infrastructure from civil warfare
natural hazards:
frequent droughts
international agreements:
party to - Endangered Species; signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Swaziland now Eswatini

current issues:
  • limited access to potable water;
  • wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil degradation;
  • soil erosion
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea

Ethiopia

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • famine
natural hazards:
geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Europa Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Gabon

current issues:
deforestation; poaching
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94

The Gambia

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • desertification;
  • water-borne diseases prevalent
natural hazards:
rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last thirty years
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Ghana

current issues:
  • recent drought in north severely affecting agricultural activities;
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations;
  • water pollution;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards:
  • dry,
  • dusty,
  • harmattan winds occur from January to March;
  • droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Desertification, Marine Life Conservation

Glorioso Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
periodic cyclones
international agreements:
NA

Guinea

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • desertification;
  • soil contamination and erosion;
  • overfishing
natural hazards:
  • hot,
  • dry,
  • dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Wetlands;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Desertification

Guinea-bissau now Guinea-Bissau

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • overgrazing;
  • overfishing
natural hazards:
  • hot,
  • dry,
  • dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season;
  • brush fires
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Wetlands;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Desertification

Juan De Nova Island now Juan de Nova Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
periodic cyclones
international agreements:
NA

Kenya

current issues:
  • water pollution from urban and industrial wastes;
  • degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers;
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • poaching
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Lesotho

current issues:
  • population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, soil exhaustion;
  • desertification;
  • Highlands Water Project will control, store, and redirect water to South Africa
natural hazards:
periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Liberia

current issues:
  • tropical rain forest subject to deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • loss of biodiversity;
  • pollution of rivers from the dumping of iron ore tailings and of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage
natural hazards:
dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March)
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Libya

current issues:
  • desertification;
  • very limited natural fresh water resources;
  • the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities
natural hazards:
hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; duststorms, sandstorms
international agreements:
  • party to - Marine Dumping,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Desertification,
  • Law of the Sea

Madagascar

current issues:
  • soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing;
  • desertification;
  • surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes;
  • several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered
natural hazards:
periodic cyclones
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Malawi

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • land degradation;
  • water pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes;
  • siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish population
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Mali

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • poaching
natural hazards:
hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Nuclear Test Ban

Mauritania

current issues:
  • overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification;
  • very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal which is the only perennial river
natural hazards:
  • hot,
  • dry,
  • dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April;
  • periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Wetlands;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Desertification,
  • Law of the Sea

Mauritius

current issues:
water pollution
natural hazards:
cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Environmental Modification,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Life Conservation,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection

Mayotte

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
cyclones during rainy season
international agreements:
NA

Morocco

current issues:
  • land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation);
  • water supplies contaminated by raw sewage;
  • siltation of reservoirs;
  • oil pollution of coastal waters
natural hazards:
northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Mozambique

current issues:
  • civil strife and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences;
  • desertification;
  • pollution of surface and coastal waters
natural hazards:
severe droughts and floods occur in central and southern provinces; devastating cyclones
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea

Namibia

current issues:
very limited natural fresh water resources; desertification
natural hazards:
prolonged periods of drought
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change

Niger

current issues:
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • deforestation;
  • desertification;
  • wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction
natural hazards:
recurring droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Nigeria

current issues:
  • soil degradation;
  • rapid deforestation;
  • desertification;
  • recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities
natural hazards:
periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Marine Life Conservation,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection

Reunion

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
periodic, devastating cyclones (December to April); Piton de la Fournaise on the southeastern coast is an active volcano
international agreements:
NA

Rwanda

current issues:
  • deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil exhaustion;
  • soil erosion
natural hazards:
periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the northwest along the border with Zaire
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species,
  • Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea

Saint Helena now Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha
international agreements:
NA

Sao Tome And Principe now Sao Tome and Principe

current issues:
deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Environmental Modification,
  • Law of the Sea;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change

Senegal

current issues:
  • wildlife populations threatened by poaching;
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • overfishing
natural hazards:
lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Marine Dumping

Seychelles

current issues:
no natural fresh water resources, catchments collect rain water
natural hazards:
lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short droughts possible
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Sierra Leone

current issues:
  • rapid population growth pressuring the environment;
  • overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion;
  • civil war depleting natural resources;
  • overfishing
natural hazards:
  • dry,
  • sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (November to May);
  • sandstorms,
  • dust storms
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Environmental Modification

Somalia

current issues:
  • famine;
  • use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems;
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Marine Dumping,
  • Nuclear Test Ban

South Africa

current issues:
  • lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures;
  • growth in water usage threatens to outpace supply;
  • pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge;
  • air pollution resulting in acid rain;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
prolonged droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea

Sudan

current issues:
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
dust storms
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification

Tanzania

current issues:
  • soil degradation;
  • deforestation;
  • desertification;
  • destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats;
  • recent droughts affected marginal agriculture
natural hazards:
the tsetse fly and lack of water limit agriculture; flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification

Togo

current issues:
deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; recent droughts affecting agriculture
natural hazards:
hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Tropical Timber 94

Tromelin Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Tunisia

current issues:
  • toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and presents human health risks;
  • water pollution from raw sewage;
  • limited natural fresh water resources;
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Marine Life Conservation

Uganda

current issues:
  • draining of wetlands for agricultural use;
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • poaching is widespread
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Environmental Modification

Western Sahara

current issues:
sparse water and arable land
natural hazards:
hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility
international agreements:
NA

Zambia

current issues:
  • air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region;
  • poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros and elephant populations;
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks
natural hazards:
tropical storms (November to April)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Zimbabwe

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • land degradation;
  • air and water pollution;
  • the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly reduced by poaching
natural hazards:
recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Desertification

Antarctic Region

5 entries

Antarctica

current issues:
in October 1991 it was reported that the ozone shield, which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, had dwindled to the lowest level recorded over Antarctica since 1975 when measurements were first taken
natural hazards:
  • katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior;
  • frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau;
  • cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the coast;
  • volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica;
  • other seismic activity rare and weak
international agreements:
NA

Bouvet Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

French Southern And Antarctic Lands now French Southern and Antarctic Lands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are extinct volcanoes
international agreements:
NA

Heard Island And Mcdonald Islands now Heard Island and McDonald Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
Heard Island is dominated by a dormant volcano called Big Ben
international agreements:
NA

South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands now South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active volcanism
international agreements:
NA

Arctic Region

4 entries

Greenland

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island
international agreements:
NA

Iceland

current issues:
water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment
natural hazards:
earthquakes and volcanic activity
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Jan Mayen

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
dominated by the volcano Beerenberg; volcanic activity resumed in 1970
international agreements:
NA

Svalbard

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
ice floes often block up the entrance to Bellsund (a transit point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic
international agreements:
NA

Asia

23 entries

Afghanistan

current issues:
  • soil degradation;
  • overgrazing;
  • deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building materials);
  • desertification
natural hazards:
damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Armenia

current issues:
  • soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT;
  • energy blockade, the result of conflict with Azerbaijan, has led to deforestation as citizens scavenge for firewood;
  • pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers;
  • the draining of Sevana Lich, a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies
natural hazards:
occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Wetlands;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Desertification

Azerbaijan

current issues:
  • local scientists consider the Abseron (Apsheron) Peninsula (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, water, and soil pollution;
  • soil pollution results from the use of DDT as a pesticide and also from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton
natural hazards:
droughts; some lowland areas threatened by rising levels of the Caspian Sea
international agreements:
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change

Bangladesh

current issues:
  • many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land;
  • limited access to potable water;
  • water-borne diseases prevalent;
  • water pollution especially of fishing areas results from the use of commercial pesticides;
  • intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country;
  • soil degradation;
  • deforestation;
  • severe overpopulation
natural hazards:
droughts, cyclones; much of the country routinely flooded during the summer monsoon season
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea

Bhutan

current issues:
soil erosion; limited access to potable water
natural hazards:
  • violent storms coming down from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon;
  • frequent landslides during the rainy season
international agreements:
  • party to - Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea

British Indian Ocean Territory

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

China

current issues:
  • air pollution from the overwhelming use of high-sulfur coal as a fuel, produces acid rain which is damaging forests;
  • water shortages experienced throughout the country, particularly in urban areas;
  • future growth in water usage threatens to outpace supplies;
  • water pollution from industrial effluents;
  • much of the population does not have access to potable water;
  • less than 10% of sewage receives treatment;
  • deforestation;
  • estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1957 to soil erosion and economic development;
  • desertification;
  • trade in endangered species
natural hazards:
  • frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern coasts);
  • damaging floods;
  • tsunamis;
  • earthquakes;
  • droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea

Georgia

current issues:
  • air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi;
  • heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • soil pollution from toxic chemicals
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Desertification

India

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • overgrazing;
  • desertification;
  • air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions;
  • water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides;
  • tap water is not potable throughout the country;
  • huge and rapidly growing population is overstraining natural resources
natural hazards:
  • droughts,
  • flash floods,
  • severe thunderstorms common;
  • earthquakes
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Japan

current issues:
  • air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain;
  • acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life;
  • Japan's appetite for fish and tropical timber is contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere
natural hazards:
  • many dormant and some active volcanoes;
  • about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year;
  • tsunamis
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Kazakhstan

current issues:
  • radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with its former defense industries and test ranges are found throughout the country and pose health risks for humans and animals;
  • industrial pollution is severe in some cities;
  • because the two main rivers which flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts;
  • these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms;
  • pollution in the Caspian Sea;
  • soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salinization from faulty irrigation practices
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Climate Change,
  • Desertification

Korea, North now North Korea

current issues:
  • localized air pollution attributable to inadequate industrial controls;
  • water pollution;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards:
late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding; occasional typhoons during the early fall
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea

Korea, South now South Korea

current issues:
  • air pollution in large cities;
  • water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents;
  • driftnet fishing
natural hazards:
occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; earthquakes in southwest
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Kyrgyzstan

current issues:
  • water pollution;
  • many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells, as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent;
  • increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Maldives

current issues:
depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies
natural hazards:
low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Mongolia

current issues:
  • limited natural fresh water resources;
  • policies of the former communist regime promoting rapid urbanization and industrial growth have raised concerns about their negative effects on the environment;
  • the burning of soft coal and the concentration of factories in Ulaanbaatar have severely polluted the air;
  • deforestation, overgrazing, the converting of virgin land to agricultural production have increased soil erosion from wind and rain;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
duststorms can occur in the spring
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Environmental Modification,
  • Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Desertification,
  • Law of the Sea

Nepal

current issues:
  • the almost total dependence on wood for fuel and cutting down trees to expand agricultural land without replanting has resulted in widespread deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • water pollution (use of contaminated water presents human health risks)
natural hazards:
severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Pakistan

current issues:
  • water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff;
  • limited natural fresh water resources;
  • a majority of the population does not have access to potable water;
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Russia

current issues:
  • air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities;
  • industrial and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and sea coasts;
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals;
  • scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination
natural hazards:
  • permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development;
  • volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands;
  • volcanoes and earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Law of the Sea

Sri Lanka

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • wildlife populations threatened by poaching;
  • coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution;
  • freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff
natural hazards:
occasional cyclones and tornadoes
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Marine Life Conservation

Tajikistan

current issues:
  • inadequate sanitation facilities;
  • increasing levels of soil salinity;
  • industrial pollution;
  • excessive pesticides;
  • part of the basin of the shrinking Aral Sea which suffers from severe overutilization of available water for irrigation and associated pollution
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Turkmenistan

current issues:
  • contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals, pesticides;
  • salinization, water-logging of soil due to poor irrigation methods;
  • Caspian Sea pollution;
  • diversion of a large share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
party to - Ozone Layer Protection

Uzbekistan

current issues:
  • drying up of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts;
  • these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification;
  • water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders;
  • increasing soil salinization;
  • soil contamination from agricultural chemicals, including DDT
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Environmental Modification,
  • Ozone Layer Protection

Central America and the Caribbean

32 entries

Anguilla

current issues:
supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system
natural hazards:
frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October)
international agreements:
NA

Antigua And Barbuda now Antigua and Barbuda

current issues:
water management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly
natural hazards:
hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Environmental Modification,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution,
  • Whaling

Aruba

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt
international agreements:
NA

The Bahamas

current issues:
coral reef decay
natural hazards:
hurricanes and other tropical storms that cause extensive flood and wind damage
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution

Barbados

current issues:
  • pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships;
  • soil erosion;
  • illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers
natural hazards:
hurricanes (especially June to October); periodic landslides
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity

Belize

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • water pollution from sewage,
  • industrial effluents,
  • agricultural runoff
natural hazards:
frequent, devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding (especially in south)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping

British Virgin Islands

current issues:
limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the island's water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchment)
natural hazards:
hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October)
international agreements:
NA

Cayman Islands

current issues:
no natural fresh water resources, drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchment
natural hazards:
hurricanes (July to November)
international agreements:
NA

Costa Rica

current issues:
deforestation, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching; soil erosion
natural hazards:
  • occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast;
  • frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season;
  • active volcanoes
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Marine Life Conservation

Cuba

current issues:
  • pollution of Havana Bay;
  • overhunting threatens wildlife populations;
  • deforestation
natural hazards:
the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to October (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Marine Life Conservation

Dominica

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Environmental Modification,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Whaling

Dominican Republic

current issues:
  • water shortages;
  • soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs;
  • deforestation
natural hazards:
occasional hurricanes (July to October)
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea

El Salvador

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • water pollution;
  • contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes
natural hazards:
known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes very destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Law of the Sea

Grenada

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Whaling

Guadeloupe

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
hurricanes (June to October); La Soufriere is an active volcano
international agreements:
NA

Guatemala

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • water pollution
natural hazards:
numerous volcanoes in mountains, with frequent violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea

Haiti

current issues:
  • extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land is being cleared for agriculture and use as fuel);
  • soil erosion;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards:
  • lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October;
  • occasional flooding and earthquakes;
  • periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Honduras

current issues:
  • urban population expanding;
  • deforestation results from logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes;
  • further land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled development and improper land use practices such as farming of marginal lands;
  • mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the country's largest source of freshwater) with heavy metals as well as several rivers and streams
natural hazards:
  • frequent,
  • but generally mild,
  • earthquakes;
  • damaging hurricanes and floods along Caribbean coast
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change

Jamaica

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills;
  • damage to coral reefs;
  • air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions
natural hazards:
hurricanes (especially July to November)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Marine Life Conservation,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution

Martinique

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average of one major natural disaster every five years)
international agreements:
NA

Montserrat

current issues:
land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation
natural hazards:
severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (there are seven active volcanoes on the island)
international agreements:
NA

Navassa Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Netherlands Antilles

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
  • Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt, so rarely threatened;
  • Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October
international agreements:
party to - Whaling (extended from Netherlands)

Nicaragua

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • water pollution
natural hazards:
destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasionally severe hurricanes
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

Panama

current issues:
  • water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources;
  • deforestation of tropical rain forest;
  • land degradation
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Tropical Timber 94

Puerto Rico

current issues:
the recent drought has caused water levels in reservoirs to drop and prompted water rationing for more than one-half of the population
natural hazards:
periodic droughts
international agreements:
NA

Saint Kitts And Nevis now Saint Kitts and Nevis

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
hurricanes (July to October)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Whaling

Saint Lucia

current issues:
deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region
natural hazards:
hurricanes and volcanic activity
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Environmental Modification,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Whaling

Saint Vincent And The Grenadines now Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

current issues:
  • pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents;
  • in some areas pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive
natural hazards:
hurricanes; Soufriere volcano is a constant threat
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ship Pollution,
  • Whaling;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Desertification

Trinidad And Tobago now Trinidad and Tobago

current issues:
  • water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage;
  • oil pollution of beaches;
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion
natural hazards:
outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Life Conservation,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Tropical Timber 83,
  • Wetlands;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity

Turks And Caicos Islands now Turks and Caicos Islands

current issues:
limited natural fresh water resources, private cisterns collect rainwater
natural hazards:
frequent hurricanes
international agreements:
NA

Virgin Islands

current issues:
lack of natural freshwater resources
natural hazards:
rarely affected by hurricanes; frequent and severe droughts, floods, and earthquakes
international agreements:
NA

Europe

46 entries

Albania

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents
natural hazards:
destructive earthquakes; tsunami occur along southwestern coast
international agreements:
party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change

Andorra

current issues:
deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion
natural hazards:
snowslides, avalanches
international agreements:
NA

Austria

current issues:
  • some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution;
  • soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals;
  • air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulpher 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea, Whaling

Belarus

current issues:
soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl'
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Biodiversity, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Law of the Sea

Belgium

current issues:
  • Meuse River, a major source of drinking water, polluted from steel production wastes;
  • other rivers polluted by animal wastes and fertilizers;
  • industrial air pollution contributes to acid rain in neighboring countries
natural hazards:
flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea

Bosnia And Herzegovina now Bosnia and Herzegovina

current issues:
  • air pollution from metallurgical plants;
  • sites for disposing of urban waste are limited;
  • widespread casualties, water shortages, and destruction of infrastructure because of civil strife
natural hazards:
frequent and destructive earthquakes
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Marine Life Conservation,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection

Bulgaria

current issues:
  • air pollution from industrial emissions;
  • rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents;
  • deforestation;
  • forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain;
  • soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes
natural hazards:
earthquakes, landslides
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea

Croatia

current issues:
  • air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests;
  • coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste;
  • widespread casualties and destruction of infrastructure in border areas affected by civil strife
natural hazards:
frequent and destructive earthquakes
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification

Czech Republic now Czechia

current issues:
air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia centered around Zeplica and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea

Denmark

current issues:
  • air pollution, principally from vehicle emissions;
  • nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea;
  • drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes
natural hazards:
flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Estonia

current issues:
  • air heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast;
  • contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products, chemicals at military bases
natural hazards:
flooding occurs frequently in the spring
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Ship Pollution,
  • Wetlands

Faroe Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Finland

current issues:
  • air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain;
  • water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals;
  • habitat loss threatens wildlife populations
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

France

current issues:
  • some forest damage from acid rain;
  • air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions;
  • water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff
natural hazards:
flooding
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Germany

current issues:
  • emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries and lead emissions from vehicle exhausts (the result of continued use of leaded fuels) contribute to air pollution;
  • acid rain, resulting from sulfur dioxide emissions, is damaging forests;
  • heavy pollution in the Baltic Sea from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern Germany
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes

Gibraltar

current issues:
limited natural freshwater resources, so large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rain water
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Greece

current issues:
air pollution; water pollution
natural hazards:
severe earthquakes
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Guernsey

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Holy See (vatican City) now Holy See (Vatican City)

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Air Pollution,
  • Environmental Modification

Hungary

current issues:
air pollution; industrial and municipal pollution of Lake Balaton
natural hazards:
levees are common along many streams, but flooding occurs almost every year
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea

Ireland

current issues:
  • water pollution,
  • especially of lakes,
  • from agricultural runoff
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Man, Isle Of now Isle of Man

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Italy

current issues:
  • air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide;
  • coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents;
  • acid rain damaging lakes;
  • inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities
natural hazards:
  • regional risks include landslides,
  • mudflows,
  • avalanches,
  • earthquakes,
  • volcanic eruptions,
  • flooding;
  • land subsidence in Venice
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification

Jersey

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Latvia

current issues:
  • air and water pollution because of a lack of waste conversion equipment;
  • Gulf of Riga and Daugava River heavily polluted;
  • contamination of soil and groundwater with chemicals and petroleum products at military bases
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change

Liechtenstein

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Law of the Sea

Lithuania

current issues:
contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution,
  • Wetlands;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change

Luxembourg

current issues:
deforestation; air and water pollution in urban areas
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

Malta

current issues:
very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification

Moldova

current issues:
  • heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater;
  • extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change

Monaco

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Netherlands

current issues:
  • water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates;
  • air pollution from vehicles and refining activities;
  • acid rain
natural hazards:
the extensive system of dikes and dams, protects nearly one-half of the total area from being flooded
international agreements:
party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic Of now North Macedonia

current issues:
air pollution from metallurgical plants
natural hazards:
high seismic risks
international agreements:
party to - Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Norway

current issues:
  • water pollution;
  • acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks;
  • air pollution from vehicle emissions
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94

Poland

current issues:
  • forest damage due to air pollution and resulting acid rain;
  • improper means for disposal of large amounts of hazardous and industrial waste;
  • severe water pollution from industrial and municipal sources;
  • severe air pollution results from emissions of sulfur dioxide from coal-fired power plants, which also drifts into Germany and the Netherlands
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Law of the Sea

Portugal

current issues:
  • soil erosion;
  • air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions;
  • water pollution, especially in coastal areas
natural hazards:
Azores subject to severe earthquakes
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban

Romania

current issues:
  • soil erosion and degradation;
  • water pollution;
  • air pollution in south from industrial effluents;
  • contamination of Danube delta wetlands
natural hazards:
earthquakes most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea

San Marino

international agreements:
NA
current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Air Pollution

Serbia And Montenegro now Serbia and Montenegro

current issues:
  • pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor;
  • air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities;
  • water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube
natural hazards:
destructive earthquakes
international agreements:
NA

Slovakia

current issues:
air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea

Slovenia

current issues:
  • Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste;
  • pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals;
  • forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain
natural hazards:
flooding and earthquakes
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change

Spain

current issues:
  • pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas;
  • air pollution;
  • deforestation;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Sweden

current issues:
acid rain damaging soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea
natural hazards:
  • ice floes in the surrounding waters,
  • especially in the Gulf of Bothnia,
  • can interfere with maritime traffic
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Switzerland

current issues:
  • air pollution from vehicle emissions and open air burning;
  • acid rain;
  • water pollution from increased use of agricultural fertilizers;
  • loss of biodiversity
natural hazards:
  • avalanches,
  • landslides,
  • flash floods
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Ukraine

current issues:
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • air and water pollution;
  • deforestation;
  • radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea

United Kingdom

current issues:
  • sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants contribute to air pollution;
  • some rivers polluted by agricultural wastes and coastal waters polluted because of large-scale disposal of sewage at sea
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification

Middle East

17 entries

Bahrain

current issues:
  • desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms;
  • coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations;
  • no natural fresh water resources so that groundwater and sea water are the only sources for all water needs
natural hazards:
periodic droughts; dust storms
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity

Cyprus

current issues:
  • water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, and most potable resources concentrated in the Turkish Cypriot area);
  • water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes;
  • coastal degradation;
  • loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization
natural hazards:
moderate earthquake activity
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change

Gaza Strip

current issues:
desertification
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Iran

current issues:
  • air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents;
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • desertification;
  • oil pollution in the Persian Gulf;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards:
  • periodic droughts, floods;
  • duststorms, sandstorms;
  • earthquakes along the Western border
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Iraq

current issues:
  • government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas west of Al Qurnah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers;
  • a once sizable population of Shi'a Muslims, who have inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced;
  • furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • development of Tigris-Euphrates Rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey;
  • air and water pollution;
  • soil degradation (salinization) and erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
  • duststorms,
  • sandstorms,
  • floods
international agreements:
  • party to - Law of the Sea,
  • Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Environmental Modification

Israel

current issues:
  • limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints;
  • desertification;
  • air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions;
  • groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides
natural hazards:
sandstorms may occur during spring and summer
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Desertification, Marine Life Conservation

Jordan

current issues:
  • limited natural fresh water resources;
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Wetlands

Kuwait

current issues:
  • limited natural fresh water resources;
  • some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water;
  • air and water pollution;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
  • sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April, they bring inordinate amounts of rain which can damage roads and houses;
  • sandstorms and duststorms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping

Lebanon

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes;
  • pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills
natural hazards:
duststorms, sandstorms
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Oman

current issues:
  • rising soil salinity;
  • beach pollution from oil spills;
  • very limited natural fresh water resources
natural hazards:
summer winds often raise large sandstorms and duststorms in interior; periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Ship Pollution,
  • Whaling;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change

Qatar

current issues:
limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities
natural hazards:
  • haze,
  • dust storms,
  • sandstorms common
international agreements:
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Law of the Sea

Saudi Arabia

current issues:
  • desertification;
  • depletion of underground water resources;
  • the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities;
  • coastal pollution from oil spills
natural hazards:
frequent sand and dust storms
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Syria

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • water pollution from dumping of raw sewage and wastes from petroleum refining;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards:
dust storms, sandstorms
international agreements:
  • party to - Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification, Environmental Modification

Turkey now Turkiye

current issues:
  • water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents;
  • air pollution, particularly in urban areas;
  • deforestation
natural hazards:
very severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along an arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification, Environmental Modification

United Arab Emirates

current issues:
  • lack of natural freshwater resources being overcome by desalination plants;
  • desertification;
  • beach pollution from oil spills
natural hazards:
frequent sand and dust storms
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Law of the Sea

West Bank

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Yemen

current issues:
  • very limited natural fresh water resources;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water;
  • overgrazing;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
sandstorms and dust storms in summer
international agreements:
  • party to - Environmental Modification,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change

North America

6 entries

Bermuda

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
hurricanes (June to November)
international agreements:
NA

Canada

current issues:
  • air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests;
  • metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity;
  • ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities
natural hazards:
  • continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development;
  • cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and snow
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Clipperton Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Mexico

current issues:
  • natural fresh water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast;
  • raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas;
  • deforestation;
  • widespread erosion;
  • desertification;
  • serious air pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border
natural hazards:
tsunamis along the Pacific coast, destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Gulf and Caribbean coasts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Saint Pierre And Miquelon now Saint Pierre and Miquelon

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard
international agreements:
NA

United States

current issues:
  • air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada;
  • the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels;
  • water pollution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers;
  • very limited natural fresh water resources in much of the western part of the country require careful management;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
  • tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquake activity around Pacific Basin;
  • hurricanes along the Atlantic coast;
  • tornadoes in the midwest;
  • mudslides in California;
  • forest fires in the west;
  • flooding;
  • permafrost in northern Alaska is a major impediment to development
international agreements:
  • party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Tropical Timber 94

Oceania

34 entries

American Samoa

current issues:
limited natural fresh water resources; in many areas of the island water supplies come from roof catchments
natural hazards:
typhoons common from December to March
international agreements:
NA

Australia

current issues:
  • soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices;
  • soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water;
  • desertification;
  • clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species;
  • the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site;
  • limited natural fresh water resources
natural hazards:
cyclones along the coast; severe droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification

Baker Island

current issues:
no natural fresh water resources
natural hazards:
the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
international agreements:
NA

Cook Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
typhoons (November to March)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Coral Sea Islands

current issues:
no permanent fresh water resources
natural hazards:
occasional, tropical cyclones
international agreements:
NA

Fiji

current issues:
deforestation; soil erosion
natural hazards:
cyclonic storms can occur from November to January
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Life Conservation,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Tropical Timber 94

French Polynesia

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
occasional cyclonic storms in January
international agreements:
NA

Guam

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but potentially very destructive typhoons (especially in August)
international agreements:
NA

Howland Island

current issues:
no natural fresh water resources
natural hazards:
the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
international agreements:
NA

Jarvis Island

current issues:
no natural fresh water resources
natural hazards:
the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
international agreements:
NA

Johnston Atoll

current issues:
no natural fresh water resources
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Kingman Reef

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of about 1 meter makes this a maritime hazard
international agreements:
NA

Kiribati

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Climate Change

Marshall Islands

current issues:
inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards:
occasional typhoons
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution

Micronesia, Federated States Of now Federated States of Micronesia

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
typhoons (June to December)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Law of the Sea

Midway Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Nauru

current issues:
limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater; phosphate mining threatens limited remaining land resources
natural hazards:
periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Marine Dumping;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Law of the Sea

New Caledonia

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
typhoons most frequent from November to March
international agreements:
NA

New Zealand

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • native flora and fauna hard-hit by species introduced from outside
natural hazards:
earthquakes are common, though usually not severe
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Niue

current issues:
traditional methods of burning brush and trees to clear land for agriculture have threatened soil supplies which naturally are not very abundant
natural hazards:
typhoons
international agreements:
signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Norfolk Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
typhoons (especially May to July)
international agreements:
NA

Northern Mariana Islands

current issues:
contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage contributes to disease
natural hazards:
active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)
international agreements:
NA

Palau

current issues:
  • inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste;
  • threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging and illegal fishing practices that involve the use of dynamite
natural hazards:
typhoons (June to December)
international agreements:
NA

Palmyra Atoll

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

Papua New Guinea

current issues:
rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects
natural hazards:
  • active volcanism;
  • situated along the Pacific "Rim of Fire";
  • the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes;
  • mudslides
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea

Pitcairn Islands

current issues:
deforestation (only a small portion of the original forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement)
natural hazards:
typhoons (especially November to March)
international agreements:
NA

Western Samoa now Samoa

current issues:
soil erosion
natural hazards:
occasional typhoons; active volcanism
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Solomon Islands

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • much of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying
natural hazards:
  • typhoons, but they are rarely destructive;
  • geologically active region with frequent earth tremors;
  • volcanic activity
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Law of the Sea

Tokelau

current issues:
very limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to emigration to New Zealand
natural hazards:
lies in Pacific typhoon belt
international agreements:
NA

Tonga

current issues:
  • deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for agriculture and settlement;
  • some damage to coral reefs from starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors;
  • overhunting threatens native sea turtle populations
natural hazards:
cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou
international agreements:
party to - Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban

Tuvalu

current issues:
  • since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not potable, all water needs must be met by catchment systems with storage facilities;
  • beachhead erosion because of the use of sand for building materials;
  • excessive clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel;
  • damage to coral reefs from the spread of the crown of thorns starfish
natural hazards:
severe tropical storms are rare
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Biodiversity,
  • Law of the Sea

Vanuatu

current issues:
a majority of the population does not have access to a potable and reliable supply of water
natural hazards:
tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Wake Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
occasional typhoons
international agreements:
NA

Wallis And Futuna now Wallis and Futuna

current issues:
  • deforestation (only small portions of the original forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as the main fuel source;
  • as a consequence of cutting down the forests, the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion;
  • there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of natural fresh water resources
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
NA

South America

14 entries

Argentina

current issues:
  • erosion results from inadequate flood controls and improper land use practices;
  • irrigated soil degradation;
  • desertification;
  • air pollution in Buenos Aires and other major cites;
  • water pollution in urban areas;
  • rivers becoming polluted due to increased pesticide and fertilizer use
natural hazards:
  • Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes;
  • pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the Pampas and northeast;
  • heavy flooding
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation

Bolivia

current issues:
  • the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation;
  • soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture);
  • desertification;
  • loss of biodiversity;
  • industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation
natural hazards:
  • cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion, as well as to physical activity by those unaccustomed to it from birth;
  • flooding in the northeast (March to April)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection

Brazil

current issues:
  • deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers the existence of a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area;
  • air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities;
  • land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities
natural hazards:
recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification

Chile

current issues:
  • air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions;
  • water pollution from raw sewage;
  • deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification
natural hazards:
  • severe earthquakes;
  • active volcanism;
  • tsunamis
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Colombia

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil damage from overuse of pesticides;
  • air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions
natural hazards:
  • highlands subject to volcanic eruptions;
  • occasional earthquakes;
  • periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Ecuador

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • water pollution
natural hazards:
  • frequent earthquakes,
  • landslides,
  • volcanic activity;
  • periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Tropical Timber 94

Falkland Islands (islas Malvinas) now Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
strong winds persist throughout the year
international agreements:
NA

French Guiana

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
high frequency of heavy showers and severe thunderstorms; flooding
international agreements:
NA

Guyana

current issues:
water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation
natural hazards:
flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Tropical Timber 83

Paraguay

current issues:
  • deforestation (an estimated 2 million hectares of forest land have been lost from 1958-1985);
  • water pollution;
  • inadequate means for waste disposal present health risks for many urban residents
natural hazards:
local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Ozone Layer Protection;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Nuclear Test Ban

Peru

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • overgrazing of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion;
  • desertification;
  • air pollution in Lima;
  • pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes
natural hazards:
  • earthquakes,
  • tsunamis,
  • flooding,
  • landslides,
  • mild volcanic activity
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Tropical Timber 94

Suriname

current issues:
deforestation as foreign producers obtain timber concessions
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea

Uruguay

current issues:
  • substantial pollution from Brazilian industry along border;
  • one-fifth of country affected by acid rain generated by Brazil;
  • water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry;
  • inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal
natural hazards:
  • seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind which blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods;
  • because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in weather fronts
international agreements:
  • party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Venezuela

current issues:
  • sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia;
  • oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo;
  • deforestation;
  • soil degradation;
  • urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast
natural hazards:
  • subject to floods,
  • rockslides,
  • mudslides;
  • periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling;
  • signed, but not ratified - Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping

Southeast Asia

18 entries

Ashmore And Cartier Islands now Ashmore and Cartier Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
surrounded by shoals and reefs which can pose maritime hazards
international agreements:
NA

Brunei

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are very rare
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Burma now Burma (Myanmar)

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • industrial pollution of air, soil, and water;
  • inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease
natural hazards:
  • destructive earthquakes and cyclones;
  • flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September);
  • periodic droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Cambodia

current issues:
  • logging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand are resulting in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries);
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • in rural areas, a majority of the population does not have access to potable water
natural hazards:
  • monsoonal rains (June to November);
  • flooding;
  • occasional droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Marine Life Conservation,
  • Ship Pollution;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Desertification,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping

Christmas Island

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
almost completely surrounded by a reef which can be a maritime hazard
international agreements:
NA

Cocos (keeling) Islands now Cocos (Keeling) Islands

current issues:
there are no natural fresh water resources on the island, groundwater does accumulate in natural underground reservoirs
natural hazards:
cyclones may occur in the early months of the year
international agreements:
NA

Hong Kong

current issues:
air and water pollution from rapid urbanization
natural hazards:
occasional typhoons
international agreements:
NA

Indonesia

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage;
  • air pollution in urban areas
natural hazards:
occasional floods, severe droughts, and tsunamis
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Marine Life Conservation, Tropical Timber 94

Laos

current issues:
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • a majority of the population does not have access to potable water
natural hazards:
floods, droughts, and blight
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change,
  • Environmental Modification,
  • Nuclear Test Ban;
  • signed,
  • but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Macau

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
party to - Ozone Layer Protection (extended from Portugal)

Malaysia

current issues:
  • air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions;
  • water pollution from raw sewage;
  • deforestation
natural hazards:
flooding
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Paracel Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
typhoons
international agreements:
NA

Philippines

current issues:
  • uncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas;
  • soil erosion;
  • air and water pollution in Manila;
  • increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps which are important fish breeding grounds
natural hazards:
  • astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year;
  • landslides, active volcanoes, destructive earthquakes, tsunamis
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity,
  • Climate Change,
  • Endangered Species,
  • Hazardous Wastes,
  • Law of the Sea,
  • Marine Dumping,
  • Nuclear Test Ban,
  • Ozone Layer Protection,
  • Tropical Timber 83,
  • Wetlands

Singapore

current issues:
  • industrial pollution;
  • limited natural fresh water resources;
  • limited land availability presents waste disposal problems
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
  • party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change

Spratly Islands

current issues:
NA
natural hazards:
typhoons; serious maritime hazard because of numerous reefs and shoals
international agreements:
NA

Taiwan

current issues:
  • water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage;
  • air pollution;
  • contamination of drinking water supplies;
  • trade in endangered species
natural hazards:
earthquakes and typhoons
international agreements:
signed, but not ratified - Marine Life Conservation

Thailand

current issues:
  • air pollution from vehicle emissions;
  • water pollution from organic and factory wastes;
  • deforestation;
  • soil erosion;
  • wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting
natural hazards:
land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts
international agreements:
  • party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83;
  • signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea

Vietnam

current issues:
  • logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices are contributing to deforestation;
  • soil degradation;
  • water pollution and overfishing threatening marine life populations;
  • inadequate supplies of potable water because of groundwater contamination
natural hazards:
occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding
international agreements:
  • party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands;
  • signed, but not ratified - Nuclear Test Ban

Oceans

4 entries

Arctic Ocean

current issues:
endangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage
natural hazards:
  • ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island;
  • icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada;
  • permafrost in islands;
  • virtually icelocked from October to June;
  • ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May
international agreements:
NA

Atlantic Ocean

current issues:
  • endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales;
  • driftnet fishing is exacerbating declining fish stocks and contributing to international disputes;
  • municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina;
  • oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea;
  • industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea
natural hazards:
  • icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands;
  • icebergs from Antarctica occur in the extreme southern Atlantic Ocean;
  • ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May and extreme southern Atlantic from May to October;
  • persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September
international agreements:
NA

Indian Ocean

current issues:
endangered marine species include the dugong, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea
natural hazards:
ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme south near Antarctica from May to October
international agreements:
NA

Pacific Ocean

current issues:
endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea
natural hazards:
  • surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire;
  • subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October);
  • tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September);
  • southern shipping lanes subject to icebergs from Antarctica;
  • occasional El Nino phenomenon occurs off the coast of Peru when the trade winds slacken and the warm Equatorial Countercurrent moves south, killing the plankton that is the primary food source for anchovies;
  • consequently, the anchovies move to better feeding grounds, causing resident marine birds to starve by the thousands because of their lost food source;
  • ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May and in extreme south from May to October;
  • persistent fog in the northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December
international agreements:
NA

Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook 1995, “Environment - current issues”, all entries. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/fields/environment-current-issues/1995.

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