ANKARA — Global carbon emissions are projected to reach a record high this year, driven by surging deforestation and land-use changes, even as a temporary decline in fossil fuel consumption offers a glimmer of hope.

According to the latest Global Carbon Budget report released at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, worldwide carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are expected to drop slightly by about 0.4% this year, totaling roughly 38.2 billion tons.

Researchers attribute this marginal decrease to geopolitical disruptions that spiked international oil and gas prices, prompting consumers to curb fuel usage and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, rapidly expanding, cost-competitive solar and wind energy sectors have begun to offset growing global energy demands, particularly in major economies like China and the United States, where emissions are projected to fall by 1% and 1.3%, respectively.

However, experts caution against viewing this modest dip as a definitive turning point. Emissions in developing nations like India continue to climb due to increased coal reliance. Furthermore, massive carbon releases from extensive deforestation and wildfires—particularly across Southeast Asia—have overshadowed fossil fuel reductions. Consequently, total global emissions are anticipated to rise from 42.8 billion tons last year to 43.3 billion tons.

The report also underscores a rapidly closing window for climate action. Scientists estimate that the remaining global carbon budget to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels stands at approximately 150 billion tons. At current emission rates, this budget is projected to be exhausted in less than four years.

With global temperatures already exceeding the 1.5°C threshold for over two years, fueled further by recurring weather patterns like El Niño, researchers stress the urgent need for structural energy transitions. Yet, climate analysts note that several governments continue to roll back environmental policies or support fossil fuel expansion, warning that the world remains far from achieving a permanent peak in carbon emissions.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]