Brian Barton
The world's most polluting industry is fossil fuels, which has seen emissions increase by 1% in 2022, reaching 40.5 gigatons of CO2. A report by CDP, a non-profit organisation, found that 100 fossil fuel companies and their investors have been responsible for 71% of global emissions since 1988. The top 20 of these companies have contributed 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965, with Saudi Aramco being the leading state-owned polluter, producing 4.38% of the global total on its own. The fashion industry is the third most polluting, producing about 10% of our annual carbon footprint, while food waste from markets, supermarkets and restaurants is estimated to represent 8 to 10% of global GHG emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for most pollution | 20-100 |
| Percentage of global emissions | 35%-71% |
| Industries responsible for most pollution | Fossil fuels, construction, fashion, food retail |
| Companies taking steps towards sustainability | Apple, Facebook, Google, Ikea, Volvo, Shell, Chevron, BP, ExxonMobil |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel companies are the most polluting
A Carbon Majors Report published by the Guardian states that 100 fossil fuel companies have been the source of 71% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies since 1988. The report also found that more than 50% of global industrial emissions since 1988 can be traced back to just 25 companies.
Michael Mann, a leading climate specialist, commented on the climate crisis:
> "The great tragedy of the climate crisis is that seven and a half billion people must pay the price – in the form of a degraded planet – so that a couple of dozen polluting interests can continue to make record profits. It is a great moral failing of our political system that we have allowed this to happen."
While fossil fuel companies are the most polluting, other industries also contribute significantly to global emissions. For example, the fashion industry produces about 10% of our annual carbon footprint, and the food retail sector's emissions come primarily from food and plastic waste.
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100 companies responsible for 71% of emissions
The Carbon Majors Report, published by the non-profit organization Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, revealed that just 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 1988. This report, which analyzed emissions data from fossil fuel producers, identified ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron as among the highest emitting investor-owned companies during this period.
The findings underscore the significant role that a relatively small number of fossil fuel producers and their investors play in driving climate change. According to Pedro Faria, the technical director at CDP, the report "pinpoints how a relatively small set of fossil fuel producers may hold the key to systemic change on carbon emissions." The report also highlights the responsibility of investors, with 32% of emissions originating from publicly listed companies and 9% from private investors.
While some companies within this group are taking steps toward sustainability, such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea committing to 100% renewable power under the RE100 initiative, the overall pace of change is criticized as insufficient. Paul Stevens of Chatham House warns that international oil companies risk a "nasty, brutish and short" end within the next decade if they fail to fundamentally alter their business models.
The Carbon Majors Report is part of a broader effort to identify the world's most polluting industries and sectors, which is crucial for implementing effective decarbonization strategies. By shifting to renewable energy sources and adopting sustainable practices, there is an opportunity to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis and work towards a more sustainable future.
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The top 20 companies: a third of emissions
The top 20 polluting companies in the world are all in the fossil fuel industry and contribute 35% of all carbon dioxide worldwide. These companies have been linked to more than a third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the modern era, releasing 480 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent since 1965.
The top 20 companies include investor-owned firms like Chevron, Exxon, BP, and Shell, and state-owned companies such as Saudi Aramco and Gazprom. Chevron tops the list of investor-owned corporations, closely followed by Exxon, BP, and Shell. These four global businesses are responsible for over 10% of the world's carbon emissions since 1965. Twelve of the top 20 companies are state-owned, and their extractions account for 20% of total emissions during the same period. Saudi Aramco, the leading state-owned polluter, has produced 4.38% of the global total on its own.
The Guardian's "The Polluters" series highlights how fossil fuel companies have driven the climate crisis despite knowing the dangers. It also details how these companies have expanded their operations, even while being aware of the devastating impact of the industry on the planet. The series includes an opinion piece by George Monbiot, who criticizes fossil fuel companies for creating a system that absolves them of responsibility. He further mentions how these companies have invested heavily in greenwashing their public image.
The role of fossil fuel companies in the escalating climate crisis has been the focus of various studies. A report by Pedro Faria from the environmental non-profit CDP, in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, found that 100 companies have been the source of over 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. More than half of global industrial emissions during this period can be traced to just 25 corporate and state-owned entities, including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron.
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Construction: 40% of global emissions
The construction industry is a major contributor to global emissions, with buildings and construction accounting for a significant portion of the world's carbon footprint. According to various sources, the sector emits about 40% of global emissions. This includes operational energy-related CO2 emissions, which reached ten gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2021, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
The construction sector's high emissions can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the extraction and transportation of building materials contribute significantly to carbon emissions. The production of materials such as steel, cement, and glass is energy-intensive and results in significant carbon dioxide emissions. Embodied carbon, which includes emissions from these production processes, is a significant component of the sector's carbon footprint.
Secondly, the everyday operations of buildings contribute to the sector's emissions. Heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment use in buildings account for a substantial portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions. The built environment's operational carbon, or day-to-day carbon emissions, make up a large portion of the sector's overall carbon footprint.
Additionally, the construction industry faces challenges in reducing its carbon footprint. There is a lack of standardized definitions and benchmarks for net-zero buildings, which creates confusion and makes it difficult to set clear goals. Governmental actions and support are also lacking, despite the availability of technology for more sustainable construction.
To guide the construction sector towards achieving net-zero emissions, several strategies can be implemented. Adopting more sustainable materials and methods can help reduce the carbon footprint of building materials. Improving energy efficiency in buildings can lower operational carbon emissions. Additionally, offsetting residual emissions and investing in renewable energy sources can help mitigate the sector's environmental impact.
The construction industry plays a crucial role in global emissions, and addressing its carbon footprint is essential to combat climate change. By implementing sustainable practices and technologies, the sector can contribute significantly to reducing global emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
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Fashion: 10% of carbon footprint
The fashion industry is the third-largest polluter, contributing about 10% of the global carbon footprint, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The industry's carbon footprint is influenced by waste sent to landfill, CO2 emissions during manufacturing and transportation, water pollution from dyeing, and microfibre pollution.
The fast fashion industry plays a significant role in encouraging consumers to buy new clothes to stay on-trend, leading to overconsumption and overproduction. Research shows that only 20% of clothes owned are worn regularly, yet the demand for new clothes remains high. Constant new trends at seemingly affordable prices contribute to the temptation to buy.
To reduce the fashion industry's carbon footprint, consumers can opt for sustainable brands that disclose their environmental impact and commit to reducing it. Buying fewer but better-quality clothing items and shopping second-hand can also help. Additionally, brands must reduce the number of collections they release and embrace decarbonization initiatives.
While some companies in polluting industries are taking steps towards sustainability, such as investing in renewable energy and carbon capture, the fashion industry's carbon footprint remains a pressing issue. With predicted growth in volumes, carbon emissions could reach around 2.7 billion metric tons per year by 2030 if no additional abatement actions are taken. Urgent action is needed to curb the industry's carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.
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Frequently asked questions
100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a report by CDP, a non-profit organisation. 25 state-owned companies and entities account for over half of the world's industrial emissions.
The leading state-owned polluter is Saudi Aramco, which has produced 4.38% of global emissions on its own. Other top polluting companies include ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron.
The fossil fuels sector is the most polluting industry in the world. Other highly polluting industries include construction, fashion, and food retail.
