We examine the explanatory and forecasting power of economic growth, financial development, trade openness and FDI for CO2 emissions in major developed economies within the context of the debate on curbing CO2 emissions Post-Paris Agreement (COP21). Using data from G-6 countries from 1978 to 2014 and employing a set of empirical approaches, we find weak evidence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve, while economic growth, capital market expansion, and trade openness are found to be major drivers of carbon emissions. Carbon emissions are also weakly and negatively affected by stock market capitalization and FDI. Moreover, the forecasting performance is quite good, particularly by augmenting the model with energy consumption and oil prices. With respect to climate commitments, our empirical findings reveal important policy implications. •Forecasting power of economic and financial drivers of CO2 emissions is examined.•We find weak evidence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve for the G6 countries.•CO2 emissions are driven by growth, market expansion, and trade openness.•Stock market capitalization and FDI also contribute to CO2 emissions.•Forecasting performance is improved with energy consumption and oil prices.