Global biomass burning emissions hit record low in first half of 2026, CAMS data shows

Global carbon emissions from biomass burning fell to their lowest half year level since records began in 2003, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. From January to June 2026, emissions totaled just under 400 megatonnes of carbon, driven mainly by a drop in seasonal agricultural fires across tropical Africa. Africa still led global biomass burning emissions at 154 megatonnes, followed by Asia at 113 megatonnes. The decline continues a long term trend linked to changes in savanna fire patterns in those regions. CAMS senior scientist Mark Parrington noted that while the first half of 2026 shows a positive trend, large wildfires in Canada and Eurasia late in June could raise the annual total. He also warned that predicted El Nino conditions may increase fire emissions in Indonesia and elsewhere, as seen in 2015 and 2019. The data comes from the GFAS dataset which has tracked global biomass burning since 2003. Wildfire smoke remains a significant air quality concern even in low emission years.