The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in global CO₂ emissions due to forced confinements. By early April 2020, daily global CO₂ emissions decreased by approximately 17% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with surface transport accounting for nearly half of this reduction. The impact on annual emissions depends on the duration of the confinement, with estimates ranging from a 4% decrease if conditions return to normal by mid-June to a 7% decrease if restrictions remain until the end of 2020. The study uses a confinement index (CI) and activity data from six economic sectors to estimate the changes in emissions. The results highlight the potential limits of current energy mixes and the need for long-term policy changes to achieve net-zero emissions. The authors also discuss the implications for global emissions in 2020 and the potential for structural changes in response to the pandemic.The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in global CO₂ emissions due to forced confinements. By early April 2020, daily global CO₂ emissions decreased by approximately 17% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with surface transport accounting for nearly half of this reduction. The impact on annual emissions depends on the duration of the confinement, with estimates ranging from a 4% decrease if conditions return to normal by mid-June to a 7% decrease if restrictions remain until the end of 2020. The study uses a confinement index (CI) and activity data from six economic sectors to estimate the changes in emissions. The results highlight the potential limits of current energy mixes and the need for long-term policy changes to achieve net-zero emissions. The authors also discuss the implications for global emissions in 2020 and the potential for structural changes in response to the pandemic.