Helena Joyce
The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity, with the planet warming at an unprecedented rate. While individual actions such as buying green products, using public transport, and dietary changes are often touted as solutions, the bulk of responsibility for climate change lies with a small number of corporate and state-owned entities. Since 1988, just 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 25 companies accounting for over 50% of global industrial emissions. These companies, largely in the fossil fuel industry, have continued to expand their operations, despite being aware of the devastating impact of their industry on the planet. While some companies have started to invest in renewable energy, the sums involved and the pace of change are often insufficient. With the world rapidly moving towards clean energy, investors in fossil fuel companies risk stranding their investments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for most pollution | 20-25 companies |
| Percentage of global emissions | 35%-50% |
| Total emissions | 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent |
| Time period | Since 1965 or 1988 |
| Industries | Fossil fuels, oil and gas, fashion |
| Companies | ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, Saudi Aramco |
| Investor-owned companies' emissions | 32% |
| Investor risk | High |
| Political lobbying | $200 million spent to block policies addressing climate change |
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What You'll Learn
- The 20 most polluting companies in the world are in the fossil fuel industry
- These 20 companies have contributed to 35% of carbon dioxide emissions
- Exxon, Shell, BP and Chevron are among the highest emitting companies
- The fashion industry is the second-biggest industrial polluter
- The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions
The 20 most polluting companies in the world are in the fossil fuel industry
The fossil fuel industry is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, with a small number of fossil fuel producers and their investors holding the key to tackling this crisis. According to a report by CDP, a non-profit organisation, 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. Of these, 25 corporate and state-owned entities have contributed more than half of the global industrial emissions.
The Carbon Majors Report, published by CDP in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, identifies ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron as among the highest emitting investor-owned companies since 1988. These companies have faced criticism for their environmental records and their efforts to block measures that would cut emissions. Despite their claims of supporting the transition to renewable energy, the sums involved and the pace of change are often inadequate.
The top 20 polluting companies, comprised of state-owned and multinational firms, have contributed to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane emissions worldwide, totalling 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965. These companies have continued to expand their operations, prioritising profits over the planet's well-being. The five biggest oil and gas companies spent $200 million lobbying to delay, control, or block policies addressing climate change.
The responsibility for tackling climate change should not solely fall on consumers through individual choices but also on corporations to change the way they operate. While some companies are transitioning to renewable energy sources, the future of the planet depends on a collective shift towards sustainable practices and a reduction in the extraction of fossil fuels.
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These 20 companies have contributed to 35% of carbon dioxide emissions
The climate crisis is one of the most significant threats to the world in the 21st century. While consumers are often encouraged to make sustainable choices, the main culprit of fossil fuel emissions and climate change is corporations. According to a study by Richard Heede of the Climate Accountability Institute, just 20 companies have contributed to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane emissions worldwide, totalling 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965.
Twelve of the top 20 companies are state-owned, and together, their extractions are responsible for 20% of total emissions during the same period. The leading state-owned polluter is Saudi Aramco, which has produced 4.38% of the global total on its own. The other eight of the top 20 are multinational companies.
The fossil fuel companies identified as the highest emitters since 1988 include ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron. These companies have faced criticism for their environmental records and their efforts to block measures that would cut emissions. Despite their claims of investing in renewable energy and carbon capture, many believe that the sums involved and the pace of change are insufficient.
The public and political debate surrounding climate change should focus more on holding these polluting companies accountable. According to the UN, there are only ten years left to prevent the worst effects of global warming and limit temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. While there has been some investor backlash against these polluters, with significant investment funds divesting from "dirty firms", more urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis.
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Exxon, Shell, BP and Chevron are among the highest emitting companies
A 2017 report by the Guardian revealed that ExxonMobil, Shell, BP and Chevron are among the highest emitting investor-owned companies since 1988. The report, which compiled data from publicly available emissions figures, found that these companies were responsible for a significant portion of global industrial emissions.
ExxonMobil, in particular, has faced scrutiny for its high emissions of lung-damaging soot from its oil refineries. Regulatory documents and pollution test results indicate that Exxon's refineries in Baton Rouge, Beaumont, and Baytown are among the top polluters in the United States. The Baton Rouge refinery, for instance, averaged emissions of 138 pounds per hour, significantly higher than its rivals. Exxon has attributed these high emissions to issues with its wet gas scrubber, a common pollution control mechanism.
Shell has also faced criticism for its oil pollution in the Niger Delta, with Amnesty International reporting that the company has failed to adequately address contamination from spills. Communities in Ogale and Bille, Nigeria, have suffered from systematic and ongoing oil pollution due to Shell's operations, impacting their health and access to clean water.
Chevron, another high-emitting company, disclosed emissions of 697 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2019. The company has set targets to reduce methane emissions and "flaring" in the oil and gas extraction process but does not currently have a 'net-zero' commitment.
These companies, along with BP, are major contributors to global emissions and have faced pressure to transition to cleaner energy sources and address the environmental and social impacts of their operations.
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The fashion industry is the second-biggest industrial polluter
The fashion industry, particularly fast fashion, is the second-biggest industrial polluter, responsible for 10% of global emissions. It is the second-largest consumer industry of water, with the production of one cotton shirt requiring about 700 gallons of water and a pair of jeans needing 2,000 gallons. The fashion industry is also a major contributor to water pollution, with 85% of all textiles ending up in dumps each year and around 70% of untreated industrial waste being disposed of into water bodies. The dyeing and finishing processes used in clothing production require significant water resources, and the leftover water is often dumped into ditches, streams, or rivers.
Fast fashion brands put out new styles at a rapid pace, consuming huge amounts of resources and generating waste. They also use synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are non-biodegradable and contribute to microplastic pollution in oceans. A report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated that 35% of all microplastics in the ocean come from laundering synthetic textiles.
The environmental impact of the fashion industry extends beyond water consumption and pollution. It also contributes to the depletion of non-renewable sources, the emission of greenhouse gases, and the use of massive amounts of energy. The production and transportation of garments, as well as the packaging and distribution of finished products, all contribute to the industry's carbon footprint.
While some companies within the fashion industry are taking steps towards sustainability, such as slow fashion and recycling initiatives, the overall impact of the industry on the environment remains significant. The fashion industry's large-scale consumption of resources, generation of waste, and contribution to water and air pollution make it a major contributor to environmental degradation.
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The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions
The transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the United States. In 2022, the transportation sector accounted for 29% of total US greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the country. This percentage includes emissions from cars, trucks, trains, ships, airplanes, and other vehicles. The combustion of petroleum-based products, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, in internal combustion engines is the primary source of these emissions.
The transportation sector's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions varies depending on the country or region. In the United States, transportation is the largest source of direct emissions, but it may not be the case in other parts of the world. However, it is safe to assume that the transportation sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, given the widespread use of fossil fuels in this sector internationally.
It is worth noting that indirect emissions from the transportation sector, such as electricity use for transportation activities, are typically considered separately and account for a much smaller percentage of total emissions. These indirect emissions are still important to address, but the focus is often on reducing direct emissions from fossil fuel combustion in the transportation sector.
While the transportation sector plays a significant role in emissions, it is important to acknowledge that corporations and fossil fuel producers also hold a large share of the responsibility. According to a report, just 100 companies have been the source of more than 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. This highlights the critical role of these corporations in tackling climate change and the need for systemic change in carbon emissions.
To conclude, while the transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, corporations and fossil fuel producers have an even greater overall impact on a global scale. Addressing these emissions and transitioning to a carbon-free economy will require collective efforts from governments, companies, investors, and individuals alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the majority of pollution can be attributed to corporate entities. Since 1988, 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The fossil fuel industry is the largest polluter, with the transportation sector being the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions. The fashion industry is the second-biggest industrial polluter, responsible for 10% of global emissions.
The top corporate polluters are often the most profitable companies, which helps them expand their operations. Some of the top polluters include Exxon, Chevron, BP, and Shell.
Organizations like the Climate Accountability Institute aim to hold big polluters accountable and advocate for a transition to a low-carbon or zero-carbon energy future. Consumers can also demand that companies make their products more sustainable and greener.
