China’s CO₂ Emissions Fall 3.1% in Biggest Quarterly Decline Since 2022
The reduction marks the country's largest quarterly emissions drop since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by declining coal and oil consumption and increased renewable energy generation.
China’s carbon dioxide emissions fell by 3.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, marking the biggest quarterly decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings were published on November 6 in an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) for Carbon Brief. The reduction reflects falling fossil fuel consumption and changes in the country’s energy sector, extending a trend of stable or declining emissions that began in March 2024.
The report identified declining coal and oil consumption as major contributors to the reduction. China’s coal use dropped by approximately 3 per cent, while oil consumption declined by 4 per cent during the quarter. Transport-related oil use recorded an even sharper fall of 9 per cent as electric vehicles continued gaining popularity. Electric vehicles accounted for a record 67 per cent of passenger car sales in September, while their growing adoption is helping reduce the country’s dependence on petrol and diesel.
Renewable energy also played an important role in reducing emissions. Electricity generation from solar, wind and nuclear sources increased by 110 terawatt-hours compared with the previous year, more than twice the growth in total electricity demand. Meanwhile, coal-fired power generation declined by 3.3 per cent as renewable electricity supplied a larger share of demand. Emissions from cement and steel production also continued falling amid a slowdown in China’s construction industry and reduced industrial activity.
Despite the progress, researchers warn that maintaining the downward trend will depend on continued investment in renewable energy, improved electricity grid infrastructure and stronger demand for clean power. China’s emissions have fallen by an estimated 0.5 per cent during the first nine months of 2026, suggesting the country could record an annual decline if the trend continues. However, China remains the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter and continues expanding its coal power capacity. The latest figures nevertheless represent an important development in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
