Economic growth no longer linked to carbon emissions in most of the world, study finds

The analysis found that 46% of global GDP was in countries that have expanded their economies while cutting emissions. Photograph: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

The once-rigid link between economic growth and carbon emissions is breaking across the vast majority of the world, according to a study released ahead of Friday’s 10th anniversary of the Paris climate agreement.

The analysis, which underscores the effectiveness of strong government climate policies, shows this “decoupling” trend has accelerated since 2015 and is becoming particularly pronounced among major emitters in the global south.