Fossil CO2 emissions decrease by 0.4% in 2026

Global fossil CO2 emissions are projected to decrease by 0.4% in 2026, driven by expansion of solar and wind power and the Iran conflict's impact on oil demand, according to the Global Carbon Project. However, when including emissions from land-use change like deforestation, total CO2 emissions are expected to rise to 43.3 billion tonnes, and researchers warn that clean energy growth remains insufficient for a sustained decline in global emissions. The remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is now approximately 150 billion tonnes—equivalent to less than four years at current emission rates.