The Hill:  “According to a study from the University of East Anglia and the Global Carbon Project, emissions from burning fossil fuels could fall by as much as 0.6 percent this year, after it grew by only 0.6 percent last year.”

“Emissions have declined in the past, but usually during times of economic problems. If 2015 plays out as the research suggests, this would be the first time there’s been a decline during a time of global economic growth.”

“The average annual growth in emissions over the last 15 years has been about 2 or 3 percent, the head of the study said in a statement.”

“The study said declining coal use in China has driven down emissions around the world. The U.S., the second-largest carbon emitter, is projected to see its emissions fall by 1.4 percent in 2015, similar to declines in other years.”

“But officials said the decline is unlikely to stick even as the world continues its transition to cleaner energy. And the study follows separate reports that have shown record concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, something researchers warn could exacerbate climate change.”