2026 Global Carbon Budget Shows Slight Emission Decrease, Warns of Slow Clean Energy Growth

The 2026 Global Carbon Budget study reports a 0.4% decrease in global fossil CO2 emissions compared to the previous year, primarily attributed to oil shocks from the Iran war, not accelerated clean energy growth. Total CO2 emissions, including land-use change, are projected at 43.3 billion tonnes for 2026. Scientists warn that the remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 1.5°C is now 150 billion tonnes, equivalent to less than four years of current emissions, emphasizing the urgent need for faster clean energy expansion.