France records 77,000 hectares burned in wildfire season
France burned 77,000 hectares in wildfire activity during the first eight months of 2026.
Event / Science
Global Climate Crisis 2026
Global climate developments including emissions trends, wildfire impacts, and climate targets across regions.
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Daily activity
8 articles0 articles
2026-10-08 to 2026-10-29 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 8 Oct, 12:08 UTC
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What happened
Energy sector emissions projected to increase in 2026
The energy sector in France is expected to experience a 3.6% increase in emissions in 2026, distinguishing it as the only major sector with rising emissions. After a slight decline in the first half, energy sector emissions are expected to rise in the second half, primarily due to increased emissions from electricity production.
Buildings and residential sector records largest emissions reduction in France
The buildings and residential/tertiary activities sector achieved the largest emissions reduction in France's first half of 2026, with a 5.9% decline projected for the full year. This reduction is primarily driven by decreased emissions from heating, hot water, and cooking in residential and tertiary buildings, linked to reduced natural gas consumption.
Transport sector emissions decline 4.8% due to diesel sales collapse
The transport sector in France is experiencing a 4.8% emissions reduction in 2026, primarily due to a 7.3% drop in diesel fuel sales observed in the first half of 2026. Diesel powers over two-thirds of road vehicles in France. The price surge in diesel fuel was driven by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, and Houthi-Saudi Arabia hostilities.
France's greenhouse gas emissions projected to fall 2.8% in 2026
France's national greenhouse gas emissions are expected to reach 349.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2eq) in 2026, representing a 2.8% reduction compared to 2025. This acceleration from the 2.1% decrease recorded in 2025 marks a faster pace of decarbonization. However, the reduction is unevenly distributed throughout the year, with a 4.1% decrease in the first half contrasting with only a 1.3% decline expected in the second half, according to Citepa's barometer.
Approximately 77,000 hectares burned in France between January and August 2026
Large wildfires in France burned approximately 77,000 hectares of forest between January 27 and August 2026, excluding controlled burning areas. These fires generated approximately 5.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, representing a 43% increase compared to the exceptionally severe wildfire year of 2022 and more than double the amount released by fires in 2025. Forest litter and superficial soil layers, particularly in resinous forests like the Landes region, account for the majority of these carbon emissions.
High fuel and heating prices strain French households and businesses
High prices for diesel fuel and heating, driven by Middle East tensions and regional conflicts, combined with elevated food prices resulting from climate-related droughts and heatwaves, are creating unsustainable cost burdens for many French households and businesses. Environmental advocates emphasize the urgent need to transition away from imported fossil fuels and develop alternative energy solutions.
France's emissions reduction pace insufficient for 2030 climate targets
France's current emissions reduction rate of 2.8% annually falls short of the 5% annual reduction needed to meet the country's climate commitment of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Citepa and environmental organizations warn that emissions reductions must accelerate significantly in coming years to achieve established carbon budgets and climate objectives.
Japanese Meteorological Agency reports El Niño sea temperature anomaly of 4.0°C above normal
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that El Niño intensified with sea temperatures 4.0°C above normal in the Pacific reference zone. This surpassed the previous record anomaly of +3.6°C established in December 1997.
El Niño intensification drives Pacific region temperatures to 29.70°C
The Niño 3.4 reference region in the Pacific Ocean reached a record 29.70°C in September 2026 due to an exceptionally intense El Niño phenomenon declared in June 2026. This exceeded the maximum temperatures recorded during powerful El Niño episodes in 1982/1983, 1997/1998, and 2015/2016.
Drought conditions intensify across southern Europe in September 2026
Drought conditions that persisted across parts of Europe following a dry summer intensified or expanded across the Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, the western Balkans, and Greece in September 2026. Exceptionally low river flows affected much of Europe, making navigation nearly impossible on certain sections of the Rhine in Germany.
Global ocean temperatures reach record 21.05°C in September 2026
Ocean temperatures excluding polar zones reached 21.05°C in September 2026, the highest level ever recorded for that month, according to the European Copernicus observatory. This surpassed the previous September record of 20.92°C set in September 2023.
Global temperature in September 2026 reaches 1.63°C above pre-industrial levels
September 2026 was the second warmest September on record, with global average surface temperatures reaching 1.63°C above pre-industrial levels. This marks the second consecutive month where temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C threshold established as the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement.
Copernicus projects continued monthly temperatures exceeding 1.5°C through 2027
Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo stated that continued powerful El Niño intensification makes it likely that monthly temperatures will continue to exceed the 1.5°C threshold through 2027. He emphasized that breaching the long-term Paris Agreement limit is inevitable, though the magnitude and duration of the overshoot remain within human control.
Severe drought persists across southern and central Europe in September
Drought conditions intensified or expanded across the Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, western Balkans, and Greece in September 2026, following an already very dry summer. Exceptionally low river flows persisted across much of Europe, making navigation nearly impossible on certain sections of the Rhine River in Germany.
Global ocean temperatures reach record high for September 2026
Ocean temperatures (excluding polar zones) reached 21.05°C globally in September 2026, the highest level ever recorded for this month, exceeding the previous September 2023 record of 20.92°C. This data was reported by the European Copernicus climate observatory on October 12, 2026.
El Niño episode declared in June 2026 intensifying toward potential record strength
The El Niño episode, which was officially declared in June 2026, is intensifying and could potentially become the most intense ever recorded. El Niño is a natural climate variation that warms sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, and the current episode is amplifying the effects of human-caused climate change.
September 2026 ranks as second-hottest September on record globally
Global average surface temperature in September 2026 was the second-hottest September ever recorded, at 1.63°C above pre-industrial levels. This is the second consecutive month where temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold relative to pre-industrial periods, which marks the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement.
Japan Meteorological Agency reports El Niño temperature anomaly of 4.0°C above normal
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on Friday (October 10, 2026) that El Niño had intensified with sea surface temperatures 4.0°C above normal in the Pacific reference zone. This anomaly exceeded the previous record of +3.6°C established in December 1997, according to JMA.
Nino 3.4 region reaches record temperature of 29.70°C
The Nino 3.4 reference region in the Pacific Ocean reached an absolute record temperature of 29.70°C in September 2026, exceeding maximum values from previous strong El Niño episodes in 1982/1983, 1997/1998, and 2015/2016, demonstrating the exceptional intensity of the current El Niño episode.
August 2026 recorded as Earth's hottest month on record
The Earth experienced its hottest August month ever recorded, coinciding with the intensification of the El Niño phenomenon. This record high temperature reflects the warming effects triggered by the natural climate variation combined with anthropogenic climate change.
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2 alternative perspectives
France's emissions fall 2.8% but climate targets remain out of reach
France's emissions declining but too slowly to meet climate goals.
Drought conditions intensify across southern Europe in September
European drought expands northward in September 2026 amid El Niño-driven precipitation disruptions.
Global temperatures breach 1.63°C threshold above pre-industrial baseline
Global temperatures breached 1.63°C above pre-industrial levels in September 2026 amid record ocean warming.
European drought intensifies as El Niño drives regional water stress
European drought intensifies amid El Niño-driven climate disruption affecting water availability.
September 2026 ocean temperatures hit new record amid El Niño intensification
Global ocean temperatures hit records in September 2026 as El Niño intensifies toward potential record strength.
El Niño drought strikes Central America and India's farms
El Niño-driven droughts are striking Central America and India's critical agricultural zones simultaneously.
El Niño set to intensify with record temperatures through early 2027
El Niño intensification forecast confirms sustained warming through early 2027 with record-breaking temperatures.