Helena Joyce
The world's most polluting industries are fossil fuels, agriculture, fashion, food retail, and transport. According to a 2015 Carbon Tracker study, fossil fuel companies risked wasting over $2 trillion in the coming decade by pursuing coal, oil, and gas projects. Since 1988, 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions, with ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron among the highest emitters. A 2024 Guardian article also revealed that 57 companies were linked to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions since 2016, with ExxonMobil, Chevron, Gazprom, and the National Iranian Oil Company as the top contributors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for most pollution | 57 or 100 |
| Percentage of global emissions | 71% or 80% |
| Time period | Since 1988 or since 2016 |
| Companies responsible | ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, Gazprom, National Iranian Oil Company, Coal India, Aramco, Sinopec, China National Petroleum Corporation, China Energy, TotalEnergies, Saudi Aramco, JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, Bank of America |
| Industries responsible | Fossil fuels, livestock production, fashion, transport, construction |
| Vehicle types responsible | Pick-up trucks, SUVs, 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2007-2014 Audi R8, Chevrolet Camaro, Porsche Macan |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel companies
The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing global warming. Fossil fuels are currently responsible for around 80% of the world's energy supply and are used to create a wide range of products, including plastics and steel. Even though scientists have warned that we need to switch to renewable energy sources, fossil fuel companies continue to pursue coal, oil, and gas projects that are worsening the planet's climate crisis.
In 2018, fossil fuels accounted for 89% of global CO2 emissions, with coal being the largest contributor to the increase in global temperatures. Oil releases a significant amount of carbon when burned, contributing to approximately a third of the world's total carbon emissions. Natural gas, often promoted as a cleaner alternative, is still a fossil fuel and accounts for a fifth of total carbon emissions. The production and use of fossil fuels have also led to other forms of pollution, such as oil spills that devastate ocean ecosystems and air pollution that poses serious health risks to humans.
While some fossil fuel companies have begun to invest in renewable energy projects, these efforts are often overshadowed by their continued focus on fossil fuel extraction and production. For example, BP spent millions on an advertising campaign promoting its low-carbon energy initiatives, while over 96% of its annual expenditure still goes towards oil and gas. Exxon, another major polluter, has faced heavy criticism for its environmental record and has been accused of funding climate deniers to delay action and confuse the public.
The future of the planet depends on a rapid transition to clean, renewable energy sources. Fossil fuel companies have a moral obligation to contribute to addressing the climate crisis they have exacerbated and pay for the damages caused by their actions. As more countries commit to reducing their carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, the investments and actions of fossil fuel companies will become increasingly risky and outdated.
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ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP
A 2017 report by The Guardian revealed that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions since 1988. ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies during this period.
ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil is an American oil and gas company with a reported revenue of $256 billion in 2020. The company has faced criticism for its environmental record and failure to meet the Climate Action 100+ Net Zero Company Benchmark targets. In 2019, ExxonMobil disclosed Scope 3 emissions of 730 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, roughly equivalent to Canada's emissions. Despite claiming to support the Paris Agreement, ExxonMobil's operations remain largely focused on fossil fuels. Between 2010 and 2018, the company spent just 0.2% of its capital expenditure on low-carbon energy sources.
Chevron
Chevron, another American multinational energy company, reported sales of $140.1 billion in 2020. Chevron disclosed emissions of 697 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2019, and its planned emissions from 2018 to 2030 are estimated to account for 1.3% of the global 1.5°C carbon budget. Like ExxonMobil, Chevron does not have a 'net-zero' commitment and has not aligned its activities with the Paris Agreement goals. From 2010 to 2018, Chevron dedicated only 0.2% of its long-term investments to low-carbon energy sources.
Shell
Shell is a multinational oil and gas company headquartered in the Netherlands, with sales of $311.6 billion in 2020. In the same year, Shell disclosed emissions of 1,377 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Its planned emissions from 2018 to 2030 are estimated to account for close to 1.6% of the global 1.5°C carbon budget. While Shell has set up a renewables arm and expressed ambitions to reach net-zero by 2050, its targets are limited to its own 'Net Carbon Footprint' metric, and it continues to focus on growing its fossil gas business.
BP
BP, another oil and gas company, has been involved in several oil spills, most notably the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. This incident led to the pollution of the Gulf of Mexico and caused significant harm to marine life. BP was designated the lead "Responsible Party" under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and coordinated the response to the spill.
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Livestock production
Sources of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production include enteric fermentation, manure management, feed production, land use change, energy use, and meat processing. Enteric fermentation, the regular digestive process of ruminants such as cattle and sheep, produces methane, with over 90% of methane from cattle emitted through burping. Manure management systems can also generate methane and nitrous oxide emissions, with the highest levels typically coming from liquid systems like manure lagoons. Feed production involves the use of fertilizers and other farm inputs that emit carbon dioxide, while land use change for grazing and cropland contributes to carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, energy is required for animal production, ventilation, cooling, and other activities, further adding to emissions.
The impact of the livestock industry on the environment extends beyond greenhouse gas emissions. It is the leading agricultural cause of water pollution and has negative consequences for ecosystems and water sources, particularly in developing countries. The increased global trade in animal products and long-term meat preservation have also contributed to environmental degradation. However, consumer awareness of the environmental impact of consuming animal products remains relatively low.
Attitudes and knowledge play a significant role in shaping behaviours related to the environmental impact of the livestock industry. Studies have shown that participants' attitudes towards the damage caused by the industry are moderately pro-environmental, but the level of knowledge on the subject is generally low. Beef consumption and meat substitutes have been found to be significant predictors of behaviour, with participants taking action to prevent hazards and make more sustainable choices.
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Fashion industry
The fashion industry has a significant environmental impact, with fast fashion being a major contributor to textile and environmental pollution. Fast fashion refers to the business model of quickly producing cheap, low-quality clothing to keep up with the latest trends. This model often involves mass production, low prices, and high sales volumes, leading to increased consumption and waste. The fast-paced manufacturing process contributes to about 10% of global carbon emissions, with predictions that this could rise to 26% by 2050 if the current trajectory continues. The industry is also responsible for around 20% of industrial water pollution, with textile dyeing being the second-largest polluter of water.
Some of the well-known fast-fashion companies contributing to these issues include Zara, which was one of the first companies to adopt this business model, H&M, and Forever 21. H&M, the second-largest fashion retailer in the world, has faced criticism for its contribution to textile waste and for providing misleading environmental information. Despite its efforts to launch a garment recycling program, the company faced backlash for including 100% polyester products, which contribute to microplastic pollution. Forever 21 has also been under scrutiny for its massive textile waste generation and underpayment of factory workers.
Shein, a Chinese fast-fashion company, has gained popularity among Generation Z shoppers through social media platforms like TikTok. The company adds at least 500 new products to its website daily and sells over 36 million pounds of goods globally each year. Shein has been accused of copyright infringement for stealing designs from high-end fashion companies. While the company has launched campaigns to address environmental concerns, it falls short of committing to sustainable practices and materials.
The environmental impact of the fashion industry extends beyond pollution. It is also a significant contributor to the depletion of non-renewable sources, the emission of greenhouse gases, and the use of massive amounts of water. The industry's supply chains are implicated in the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, with luxury brands like Prada, Adidas, and Nike contributing to cattle ranching for leather production. Additionally, the fashion industry has a human cost, with textile workers in developing countries often facing poor wages, long working hours, and inhumane working conditions.
To address these issues, there is a growing movement towards slow fashion, which advocates for manufacturing that respects people, the environment, and animals. The European Commission has also introduced strategies as part of its circular economy action plan to make textiles more durable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable. The plan includes new ecodesign requirements, clearer information, and calls for companies to minimize their carbon and environmental footprints. Organizations in Geneva and beyond are also working together to foster international cooperation and shift the fashion economy towards sustainability.
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Transport industry
The transport industry is one of the world's most polluting industries, responsible for about one-fifth of global CO2 emissions. In the US, the transport sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for about 28% of the total. Cars are the biggest polluters within the transport sector, due to the sheer number of them on the road. In the UK, for example, over 70% of the population owns a car, and each car emits around 4.6 metric tonnes of CO2 every year. Passenger travel, including cars, bikes, and buses, accounts for 60% of the transport sector's emissions, while freight and logistics make up the remaining 40%.
Road travel, in particular, is responsible for a wide variety of air pollutants. In addition to GHG emissions, oil spillages and slicks can wash off roads and compromise soil and water quality. Tyre fragments are another source of pollution, contributing to particulate matter, which is considered one of the deadliest forms of pollution. Noise pollution is also a significant issue in urban areas with high traffic congestion.
To reduce emissions from the transport sector, various strategies are being implemented. These include the development and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), alternative fuels, and sustainable aviation fuels. Policies are also being enacted to encourage the use of less carbon-intensive travel options, such as walking, cycling, and public transport. The US, for example, has made significant progress with the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes policies to accelerate EV adoption and the production of biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen. The European Union is also pushing for the transition to EVs through the Green Deal Industrial Plan.
Other initiatives, such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), are helping to decarbonize the aviation sector. Additionally, programs like SmartWay by the US EPA aim to improve supply chain efficiency in the freight transportation sector, reducing greenhouse gases and fuel costs. Cities can also implement measures such as allocating parking spaces based on vehicle size and implementing parking fees based on vehicle size to discourage the use of larger, less fuel-efficient cars.
While progress is being made, continued efforts and investments in new technologies, sustainable practices, and infrastructure are crucial to reducing the transport industry's carbon footprint and meeting global climate goals.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2015 Carbon Tracker study, 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions since 1988.
ExxonMobil, Chevron, Gazprom, the National Iranian Oil Company, BP, Shell, and Coal India are some of the biggest investor-owned contributors to emissions.
The fossil fuels sector is the most polluting, followed by agriculture, fashion, and food retail.
The extraction and use of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are the largest contributors to global warming. Within the fashion industry, fast fashion is a major polluter, along with the use of plastic and other waste.
Companies can transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and invest in carbon capture and storage technologies. Industries can also focus on decarbonization by adopting electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and sustainable practices in sectors like transportation and construction.
