In sudden shift, American emissions rise as China’s falls

The U.S. and China have switched places when it comes to lowering climate pollution.

China’s carbon dioxide emissions fell 2.7 percent in the first half of 2025 while U.S. emissions increased 4.2 percent, according to Carbon Monitor, reversing a long-standing pattern in global climate pollution.

Emissions analysts said it is too soon to declare it a persistent trend, noting that this year’s numbers have been influenced by short-term factors like weather and trade disputes. The figures nevertheless underscore the trajectories of the world’s two largest sources of planet-warming pollution.

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