China’s CO₂ emissions fell 1% in the first half of 2026 as oil use dropped

An analysis of second-quarter energy data found China’s carbon dioxide emissions fell 1% after the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran. It attributed the decline to sharply lower oil consumption and increased use of electric vehicles and public transport. [1][2]

China increased overall transportation use despite a 32% reduction in oil imports, based on data from the country’s National Bureau of Statistics analysed by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. [1][2]

During the first half of 2026, the shift toward electric vehicles displaced oil consumption equivalent to the United Kingdom’s entire use over six months, according to the analysis. [1][2]

Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said transport decarbonisation had been accelerated and that much displaced oil demand might not return even if global crude prices fell. [1][2]

The analysis described this as the first time China’s overall emissions had fallen because of reduced oil use rather than reduced coal consumption. Ember analyst Muyi Yang said fossil-fuel peaks were becoming visible in some provinces and sectors. [1][2]