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The U.S. war with Iran<\/a> has raised fossil fuel prices so much that the resulting drop in oil demand has put the world on track to see a rare dip in carbon emissions from these sources in 2026.<\/p>\n Between 2019 and 2025, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels grew by about 0.8 percent annually, according to a new study<\/a> published in Nature Climate Change<\/i>. But 2026 is set to buck that trend: high oil prices, as well as the continued rise of green technology\u2014solar power, wind and electric cars\u2014will cause a \u201cshort-term\u201d 0.4 percent drop, according to the study.<\/p>\n \u201cThe high petrol prices following the war in Iran are reducing oil use and keeping emissions low,\u201d says the study\u2019s lead author Corinne Le Qu\u00e9r\u00e9, a professor of climate change science at the University of East Anglia in England. \u201cBut that\u2019s not the whole story: The expansion of renewable energy has progressed a lot in recent years, led by China. And [along with electric vehicles], this is offsetting two thirds of the growing demand for energy.\u201d<\/p>\n If you’re enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing<\/a>. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.<\/p>\n With all sources of carbon considered, including deforestation<\/a>, total global CO2<\/sub> emissions are set to continue increasing<\/a>.<\/p>\n The findings come as the United Nations\u2019 climate talks get underway<\/a> in Antalya, T\u00fcrkiye, and during a year marred by global temperature extremes and climate disasters. This year is on track to be among the hottest on record<\/a>.<\/p>\n The drop in emissions is also notable because it is the first annual reduction since the COVID pandemic<\/a>, when emissions dropped by an estimated<\/a> 5 percent or so, Le Qu\u00e9r\u00e9 says. Researchers also measured a small decrease<\/a> in emissions after the 2008 recession. \u201cHowever, in both cases, emissions rebounded the year after,\u201d Le Qu\u00e9r\u00e9 says.<\/p>\nOn supporting science journalism<\/h2>\n