Greta Jimenez
The worst climate polluters are typically developed nations with high carbon dioxide emissions per capita. Fossil fuel companies have driven the climate crisis, with the top 20 companies contributing 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965. Twelve of these are state-owned, with Saudi Aramco being the leading state-owned polluter, producing 4.38% of the global total on its own. Richer countries, such as the United States, have contributed heavily to climate change due to their early transition to a fossil fuel-based economic system. Despite initiatives to combat climate change, the world's most populated country has an enormous export market, with its industries becoming a serious danger to the planet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Largest GHG emitters in 2023 | China, the United States, India, the EU27, Russia, and Brazil |
| Largest CO2 emissions in the world | China |
| Largest CO2 per capita emissions | Palau |
| Largest company polluters | Saudi Aramco, Total SA, Exxon, ConocoPhillips, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Iraq National Oil Co, Petrobras, Sonatrach, BHP Billiton |
| Largest sector for direct emissions | Transportation |
| Largest sector for indirect emissions | Electricity end-use |
| Largest source of emissions | Burning fossil fuels |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel companies
The top 20 climate-polluting companies, including state-owned firms such as Saudi Aramco and Gazprom, are responsible for a third of all carbon emissions. Saudi Aramco alone has produced 4.38% of global carbon dioxide and methane emissions since 1965. If Aramco was a country, it would be the fourth-largest polluter in the world after China, the US, and India.
The impact of fossil fuel companies on the climate crisis is significant. Their products, such as petrol, jet fuel, natural gas, and thermal coal, are responsible for 90% of the emissions attributed to the top 20 climate culprits. Fossil fuel companies have also been accused of delaying national and global action on climate change for decades and accelerating the extraction of coal, oil, and gas despite the devastating impact on the planet and humanity.
Some fossil fuel companies have disputed claims regarding their environmental impact and their role in delaying action. They argue that they are not directly responsible for how the oil, gas, or coal they extract are used by consumers. Many companies have also pointed to their efforts to invest in renewable or low-carbon energy sources. However, some companies have scaled back low-carbon energy investment plans and committed to increasing fossil fuel production.
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Industrial emissions
The industrial sector's environmental impact is exacerbated when indirect emissions from electricity usage are considered. This includes the power required for industrial buildings and equipment, which significantly increases the sector's carbon footprint.
According to the US EPA, the industrial sector, along with the commercial and residential sectors, is responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions result from burning fossil fuels for heating and using gases for refrigeration and cooling in buildings.
The fossil fuel industry is a key driver of the climate crisis. Despite being aware of the dangers, this industry has continued to extract and promote the use of fossil fuels, leading to increased emissions. According to Richard Heede of the Climate Accountability Institute, fossil fuel companies are responsible for the emissions produced throughout the supply chain, from extraction to consumer use.
To address climate pollution, it is essential to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Additionally, reducing emissions from the industrial sector will require implementing sustainable practices, improving energy efficiency, and adopting renewable energy sources.
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Transportation emissions
Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the United States. In 2022, the transportation sector accounted for 28% of total US greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor when considering only direct emissions. When including indirect emissions from electricity, transportation becomes the third-largest contributor, with a share of 29%.
The majority of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation come from the combustion of petroleum-based products, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, in internal combustion engines. Over 94% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum-based, resulting in direct emissions. Passenger cars, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and light-duty trucks, including SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans, are the largest sources of transportation-related emissions, accounting for over half of the sector's emissions. Other modes of transportation, such as commercial aircraft, ships, boats, trains, and pipelines, also contribute to emissions.
Road travel accounts for the majority of transport emissions, with passenger vehicles contributing 45.1% and trucks carrying freight contributing 29.4%. Aviation, despite often being a focus of discussions on climate change action, accounts for a smaller proportion, with only 11.6% of transport emissions. International shipping contributes a similar amount, at 10.6%. Rail travel and freight emit relatively little, at just 1% of transport emissions.
The demand for transport is expected to increase in the coming decades due to global population growth, rising incomes, and increased affordability of cars, trains, and flights. This will likely lead to a significant rise in transport emissions. To address this challenge, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined a "Sustainable Development Scenario" for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions from global energy by 2070. This scenario involves the phase-out of emissions from various transport sub-sectors, such as motorcycles, rail, and small trucks, over the next few decades.
While the transportation sector is a significant contributor to emissions, it's important to note that other sectors, such as industry and commercial and residential activities, also play a major role in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, when considering the worst climate polluters, it's worth examining the role of fossil fuel companies and the top-emitting countries, such as China, the United States, India, Russia, and Brazil.
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China, the largest emitter
China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with emissions in 2023 reaching 53.0 GtCO2eq, the highest level ever recorded. China's emissions increased by 784 MtCO2eq between 2022 and 2023, the largest absolute increase of any country. Since 2006, China has emitted more CO2 than any other country, and its emissions in 2023 were almost two-thirds of those of the United States and more than a sixth of those of Palau, the country with the highest emissions per capita. China's large population and export market have contributed to its high emissions, with just five provinces emitting more carbon dioxide than any other country.
China's emissions are primarily from the burning of fossil fuels and cement manufacture, which accounted for 73.7% of total emissions in 2023. The country's rapid industrial growth has been a major driver of its emissions, with fourteen of the world's fifteen most contaminated cities located in China, according to the World Health Organization. Beijing, in particular, has experienced constant red alerts for environmental pollution in recent years.
While China has led important initiatives to combat climate change, many of these have been shown to be insufficient. The country's pollution levels are not limited to big cities, with rural areas also beginning to experience the consequences of high emissions. China's emissions have contributed significantly to global warming, with carbon dioxide being the most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas by warming contribution.
China's emissions per capita are lower than those of the United States, and some argue that emissions should be analyzed on a per-capita basis for a fair comparison. However, China's large population means that its total emissions have a significant impact on the climate. Overall, China's position as the world's largest emitter highlights the need for effective and equitable solutions to global warming, taking into account the uneven contributions of different countries to the climate crisis.
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US emissions and population
The United States is one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases. In 2020, the US emitted 5.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, second only to China. The US also has some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions per person, with annual emissions exceeding 15 tons per person.
The primary sources of US greenhouse gas emissions are the commercial, residential, industrial, and transportation sectors. The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. Over 94% of the fuel used in the transportation sector is petroleum-based, including gasoline and diesel. The commercial and residential sectors are also significant contributors, with emissions from burning fossil fuels for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and appliances.
The industrial sector is the third-largest source of direct emissions, from burning fossil fuels for energy and certain chemical reactions to produce goods. When indirect emissions from electricity use are considered, industrial activities account for a much larger share of US greenhouse gas emissions.
Agriculture is another source of US greenhouse gas emissions, with methane produced by livestock and agricultural practices accounting for about 5% of emitted greenhouse gases. Land use and forestry practices can act as carbon sinks or sources, with net growth in forests offsetting about 13% of US greenhouse gas emissions.
Local and regional governments have a substantial influence on emissions and many have implemented reduction goals and programs. California, for example, has stricter emissions standards than the federal government, resulting in a decline in vehicle emissions from 2007 to 2013. Overall, US greenhouse gas emissions per capita declined from 2007 to 2012, largely due to the increasing use of natural gas and renewables instead of carbon-intensive fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
The primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions are the burning of fossil fuels for energy and certain chemical reactions necessary to produce goods from raw materials. The transportation, electricity production, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors are all significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
China, the United States, India, the EU27, Russia, and Brazil were the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters in 2023. China has been the largest emitter of CO2 since 2006, but when adjusted for population size, its per capita emissions are lower than those of the United States.
The top polluters are primarily fossil fuel companies. Twelve of the top 20 companies are state-owned, and Saudi Aramco, a state-owned company, has produced 4.38% of global carbon dioxide and methane emissions since 1965. Other notable polluters include Total SA, Exxon, and ConocoPhillips.
