Slight fall in carbon emissions from fossil fuels as Iran war drives renewables push

However, authors of a comprehensive assessment to be presented at Cop31 warn talk of a global turnaround premature

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Soaring oil and gas prices following the war in Iran have encouraged people to look beyond fossil fuels, leading to an easing of climate-damaging carbon emissions this year.

Carbon dioxide from oil, gas and coal is forecast to flatline for 2026, based on data from the year so far, according to a comprehensive assessment by scientists. Emissions from burning oil alone will drop by 2% as drivers economise on fuel use and flock to electric vehicles instead.