Climate Change Overview

Country Summary

This page presents high-level information for Belarus's climate zones and its seasonal cycle for mean temperature and precipitation for the latest climatology, 1991-2020. Climate zone classifications are derived from the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, which divides climates into five main climate groups divided based on seasonal precipitation and temperature patterns. The five main groups are A (tropical), B (dry), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). All climates except for those in the E group are assigned a seasonal precipitation sub-group (second letter).  Climate classifications are identified by hovering your mouse over the legend. A narrative overview of Belarus's country context and climate is provided following the visualizations.

Belarus is an upper middle income country with a population of 9.4 million (2020), similar in size to many Central and Eastern European countries, with a fast declining and aging population. Its economy heavily depends on energy imports. About 95% of power and 80%  of heat is produced from imported Russian natural gas. In recent years, Belarus has made significant efforts to reduce energy intensity and improve efficiency. The country is rich in water resources, and those available are sufficient to meet both current and future demands. In addition, it is one of the most forested countries of the region, with forests accounting for nearly 40% of the country’s territory and 2% of GDP. Belarus submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2016 and its Seventh National Communication in 2019.