Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
China’s CO2 emissions fell 3.1% in the third quarter, analysis estimates
China’s CO2 emissions fell an estimated 3.1% in the third quarter compared with the same period last year.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air estimates emissions were down 0.5% so far this year.
China is one of the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitters, so changes in its emissions affect global efforts to limit climate change.
The decline reflected a 3.3% drop in coal-fired power generation, slower growth in coal chemicals and lower oil use in transport.
Emissions also fell in cement and steel, possibly linked to a crisis in China’s construction sector.
Since March 2024, emissions have appeared to level off or decline, while growth in renewable power could outpace rising energy demand this year if more wind and solar electricity can connect to the grid.
China’s emissions will be discussed at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, in about a week; China says industrialized countries should take responsibility for climate finance.
China’s carbon dioxide emissions fell an estimated 3.1% year on year in the third quarter of 2026, according to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
It was the largest quarterly decline since the 2022 Covid lockdowns, and emissions were down an estimated 0.5% in the year to date.
The analysis cited lower coal-power generation, falling transport oil use, slower growth in the coal-to-chemical industry, and lower emissions from cement and steel.
The decline extends a trend of flat or falling emissions that began in March 2024.
- Who
- China, the world’s largest greenhouse-gas emitter.
- What
- Its CO2 emissions fell an estimated 3.1% year on year in the third quarter of 2026.
- When
- The third quarter of 2026; the analysis was published on November 6, 2026.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- The analysis cited falling coal-power generation and transport oil use, slower growth in coal chemicals, and lower cement and steel emissions. It also pointed to growth in clean-power generation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China’s CO2 emissions began a trend of stagnation or decline, according to the analysis.
China’s CO2 emissions fell 3.1% year on year.
China’s energy authority spoke of rising electricity generation from renewable sources.
Carbon Brief published the analysis estimating the emissions decline.
- CO2 emissions change
- Down 3.1% year on year in the third quarter of 2026
- Year-to-date emissions
- Down an estimated 0.5%
- Coal-power generation
- Down 3.3% year on year in the third quarter
- Transport oil consumption
- Down 9% year on year in the third quarter
- Clean-power growth
- Solar, wind and nuclear generation increased by 110 terawatt hours year on year in the third quarter
- Electric vehicle share
- 67% of passenger-car sales and 50% of heavy-truck sales in September
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What people are saying
flat or falling