The International Energy Agency reports that global carbon dioxide emissions from energy use reached a new record high in the first quarter of 2026, driven primarily by increased natural gas consumption in Asia. Total emissions rose 1.2 percent year over year.
The findings come despite record deployment of solar and wind power worldwide. Analysts say renewable growth is being outpaced by overall energy demand increases, particularly from data centers powering artificial intelligence applications.
The report underscores the challenge of decarbonization when economic growth drives energy consumption faster than clean sources can replace fossil fuels, prompting calls for accelerated policy action.
