Global Fossil Fuel Emissions Slip 0.4% to 38.2 Billion Tons as Iran War Curbs Oil Use
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 10
Global Fossil Fuel Emissions Slip 0.4% to 38.2 Billion Tons as Iran War Curbs Oil Use
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 10
Summary
38.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels are projected for 2026, a 0.4% drop from 2025 that researchers said was not expected before the Iran war.
The decline stems from conflict-driven energy disruptions — including fighting in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz closure and the Russia-Ukraine war — that pushed up oil and gas prices and cut consumption.
Oil-related emissions are expected to fall nearly 2% and natural-gas emissions about 0.3%, while coal emissions rise roughly 0.6% as countries turn to domestic alternatives including coal and renewables.
Researchers said the shift reflects war-driven demand destruction rather than a clean turning point, with higher coal use in China and India underscoring the mixed climate impact.