Greta Jimenez
The world is facing one of the biggest threats in the form of climate change, and corporations are the main culprits. A 2017 report by the Carbon Disclosure Project revealed that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions. The report, which was the first to rely on a worldwide GHG emissions database, shed light on the role of companies and investors in tackling climate change. The fossil fuels sector is the most polluting industry, followed by livestock production and the fashion industry. Large corporations have the power to make their products greener and more sustainable, but many prioritise profits and ignore the effects of their actions on the planet. Some companies have committed to transitioning to a carbon-free economy, but there is still a long way to go in terms of reducing emissions and implementing sustainable practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for majority of global emissions | 100 |
| Percentage of global emissions | 71% |
| Time period | 1988-2015 |
| Number of companies responsible for over half of global industrial emissions | 25 |
| Percentage of emissions from public investor-owned companies | 32% |
| Percentage of emissions from livestock production | 4 billion tons of CO2eq in 2018 |
| Ranking of fashion industry as polluting sector | 3rd |
| Percentage of emissions from transportation | 1/5th |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel companies and climate change
Fossil fuel companies have played a significant role in driving climate change and obstructing policies aimed at mitigating its impacts. The burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, and coal, releases carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary driver of climate change. Major fossil fuel companies have not only failed to acknowledge the detrimental effects of their products but have also actively deceived the public and spread disinformation about climate science and policies.
ExxonMobil, one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, has been at the forefront of climate disinformation campaigns. Studies have revealed that ExxonMobil has employed subtle language tactics to shift the focus from fossil fuels to consumer energy demand and portray climate change as a "'risk" rather than a reality. Other companies, including BP, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, have also deceived the public about their commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and net-zero emissions targets.
The fossil fuel industry has known about the link between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change for decades. Despite this knowledge, they have chosen to prioritize profits over people's lives and the planet's health. In 1979, Exxon admitted that the continued consumption of fossil fuels would lead to significant environmental impacts by 2050. However, instead of taking action, they waged marketing and lobbying campaigns to create doubt about climate science and block policies aimed at reducing emissions.
The impact of the fossil fuel industry on climate change is significant. According to a report by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), just 100 companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron, have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. This small group of companies has contributed substantially to climate change, and their investors play a crucial role in transitioning to a sustainable economy. Despite the growing wave of companies committing to renewable energy, the fossil fuel industry continues to obstruct progress and spread disinformation.
Fossil fuel companies face a growing number of lawsuits alleging deceptive practices, fraud, and climate damages. It is essential for these companies to be held accountable for their actions and to take responsibility for the damage caused by their products. Additionally, they should stop funding and spreading climate disinformation and instead support the transition to a carbon-free economy.
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The fashion industry's environmental impact
The fashion industry has a significant environmental impact, with fast fashion being a major contributor. The industry is the second-biggest consumer of water, requiring about 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons of water to produce a pair of jeans. It is also a significant contributor to carbon emissions, with the production and distribution of clothing resulting in about 10% of global carbon emissions. The rise of fast fashion has led to a boom in the quantity of clothes produced and discarded, with social media and the quick turnover of trends playing a significant role in increased consumption.
The environmental impact of the fashion industry extends beyond water usage and carbon emissions. The use of synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are derived from fossil fuels, contributes to the industry's carbon footprint and also results in the release of microplastics into the ocean when these textiles are laundered. The chemical-intensive processes of dyeing and finishing, yarn preparation, and fibre production have significant impacts on resource depletion and ecosystem quality.
The social cost of the fashion industry is also notable, with textile workers, primarily women in developing countries, facing poor wages, long working hours, and hazardous working conditions. These issues have led to infringements on human rights, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
To address these issues, organizations worldwide are advocating for a shift to sustainable fashion. The UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion aims to halt environmentally and socially destructive practices by improving collaboration among UN agencies and presenting findings to governments to trigger policy changes. The EU has also introduced strategies to make textiles more durable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable, with the goal of achieving a circular economy by 2050.
While these efforts are underway, the fashion industry continues to face challenges in balancing short-term profitability with the urgent need to reduce its environmental and social impact.
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Livestock production and farm emissions
Livestock production is a major contributor to global pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimated in 2013 that livestock production accounted for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This estimate, based on data from 2004 and 2005, remains widely cited despite more recent data indicating a wider range of potential emissions. The same organization has since released a lower estimate of 12%, while peer-reviewed studies suggest a figure as high as 19.6%.
Livestock supply chains account for 7.1 GT CO2, equivalent to 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle (beef and milk) are responsible for about two-thirds of that total, largely due to methane emissions from rumen fermentation. Enteric methane emissions represent 30% of global methane emissions, and methane is a short-lived climate pollutant. Each year, a single cow can emit between 154 and 264 pounds of methane, with 90% of enteric methane from cattle emitted through burping.
Other sources of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production include manure management, feed production, land use change, and the energy used in animal production. Solid waste produces both methane and nitrous oxide, with methane emissions typically highest in liquid storage systems. Manufacturing fertilizers and farm inputs emits carbon dioxide, and fertilizing crops generates nitrous oxide emissions. The expansion of pastureland and cropland for grazing animals and feed crops leads to the conversion of forests and grasslands, releasing carbon dioxide stored in biomass and soils.
Mitigation strategies for reducing emissions from livestock production include intensive rotational grazing systems, which can increase forage production and reduce nitrous oxide emissions by managing nitrogen excreta distribution and vegetation regrowth. Proper grazing practices can also help offset methane emissions. Dietary changes, such as low-protein diets for cattle, can reduce nitrous oxide emissions from manure, but may increase methane production. Solid-liquid separation technology can partially separate solids from liquid manure, improving manure management. Frequent removal of manure to outside storage facilities can significantly reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
The development of plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives, as well as the use of feed additives like red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis), also show promise in reducing emissions from livestock production. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) in aquaculture production, where multiple species are cultivated together without the need for external inputs, can reduce pollution from fertilizer use.
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Green consumerism and corporate advertising
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to our world, and corporations are the main culprits. Since 1988, just 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 25 corporations and state-owned organisations responsible for over 50% of global industrial emissions. Fossil fuel companies have been identified as the highest emitters, with ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron among the worst. Despite this, the solutions to climate change often revolve around consumer choices and individual actions, rather than corporate accountability.
Green consumerism refers to the growing consumer interest in eco-friendly products and sustainable choices. This shift in consumer preferences has been driven by rising concerns for environmental sustainability. Green advertising, which promotes products based on their environmental benefits, has emerged as a powerful tool in influencing consumer behaviour and encouraging sustainable decisions.
Studies have found that green advertising has a significant positive impact on consumers' intentions to purchase green products. Positive and persuasive messages in advertisements can induce a more favourable attitude towards these communications. For example, emphasising the environmental benefits of a product or a company's commitment to sustainability can enhance consumers' perceptions. Green labels and eco-branding are also effective tools, providing consumers with information about a product's environmental credentials and guiding them towards more sustainable choices.
However, it is important to note that corporations' adoption of green advertising and marketing strategies may not always reflect a genuine commitment to environmental protection. While some companies have advocated for cleaner energy through their advertisements, others have been accused of using these strategies as a public relations tool to enhance their legitimacy and improve their public image. Additionally, the effectiveness of green advertising in driving behavioural change may be limited if consumers do not pay close attention to product labels and environmental impact information.
In conclusion, while green consumerism and corporate advertising can play a role in mitigating climate change, the primary responsibility lies with the corporations emitting the majority of greenhouse gases. To address this complex issue effectively, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, involving both corporate accountability and consumer awareness.
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Corporate emissions accounting and transparency
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has revealed that 100 companies were responsible for 70-71% of global GHG emissions between 1988 and 2015. ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies. The fashion industry is another major contributor to climate change, responsible for 10% of global emissions.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, or carbon accounting, is the process of measuring and monitoring emissions using standardised methods and reporting per agreed-upon protocols. It helps organisations understand their carbon emissions, identify hotspots, and implement reduction strategies. Carbon accounting empowers businesses to fight climate change, ensure compliance, and seize business opportunities. It involves two methodologies: spend-based and activity-based, with the latter focusing on the litres of fuel or kilograms of material purchased.
Corporate emissions reporting and disclosures are becoming increasingly popular and, in some cases, mandatory. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently finalised a rule requiring companies to disclose emissions deemed financially material to investors. The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will mandate emissions disclosures from 2025. The International Sustainability Standards Board's (ISSB) voluntary GHG reporting standard has been adopted mandatorily by three countries.
To improve transparency, companies must comprehensively assess their climate impact. This includes measuring emissions from their operations, raw materials, and the use of goods sold. The GHG Protocol, developed by the WRI and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), provides a standardised framework for corporate GHG accounting. It covers three scopes: direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company, indirect emissions from upstream supply chains, and downstream customers.
Carbon accounting techniques help quantify the GHG emissions of specific products and services throughout their lifecycle, aiding in understanding their environmental impact. They can be applied at various scales, from companies to entire nations, and support the transition to a carbon-free economy.
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Frequently asked questions
A 2017 report by the Carbon Disclosure Project found that 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions. The report focuses on fossil fuel producers and highlights the role of companies and investors in tackling climate change.
The most polluting industries are fossil fuels, livestock production, fashion, and transport. Fossil fuels are the most polluting sector, contributing significantly to global carbon footprints and exacerbating climate change. Livestock production processes are the biggest culprit in farm emissions, generating 4 billion tons of CO2eq in 2018. The fashion industry is the second-biggest industrial polluter, responsible for 10% of global emissions. Transport is responsible for about one-fifth of GHG emissions, with 40% coming from the transportation of merchandise and 60% from passenger travel.
Companies can set greenhouse gas reduction targets and commit to obtaining energy from 100% renewable sources. They can also improve transparency and help investors understand the emissions associated with their fossil fuel holdings. Additionally, companies can make their products greener and more sustainable by using alternative methods and materials.
