Beijing (AFP) - China's carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming, fell in the second quarter of the year due to lower oil consumption as a result of the war between the United States and Iran, an analysis published this Thursday revealed.

First modification: 09/03/2026 - 16:25

They had already fallen previously but in the period between April and June it was due for the first time to a drop in oil consumption, according to the analysis by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), published by Carbon Brief.

CO₂ emissions fell 1% in the second quarter, according to the report, with oil consumption falling 9% overall and 16% in the transportation sector, according to Chinese government data.

The situation "has very clearly validated China's energy security strategy and, especially, the role of electrification," Lauri Myllyvyrta, co-founder and principal analyst of CREA, told AFP.

Severe traffic disruptions through the crucial Strait of Hormuz have affected oil transportation to China, the world's second-largest economy and top crude importer.

Myllyvyrta explained to AFP that the more than six months of war between the United States and Iran have accelerated the adoption of electricity in China in traditionally large fuel-consuming sectors, such as construction and mining.

"It is very likely that these types of changes will continue," he said.

China is the largest emitter, responsible for more than 30% of greenhouse gases worldwide. The government has aimed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Although emissions decreased in the second quarter, they increased 2% in the first, according to CREA data, which has left levels "slightly rising during the first half of the year."

This week, Chinese authorities announced that the country's solar energy capacity has surpassed that generated by coal.

© 2026 AFP

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