Kiera Jefferson
The climate crisis is an increasingly pressing issue, and fossil fuel companies have been identified as a significant contributor to the problem. Research has revealed that just 20 fossil fuel companies are responsible for more than one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions. These companies have continued to expand their operations despite being aware of the detrimental impact of their industry on the planet. While many of these companies are state-owned, investor-owned firms such as Chevron, Exxon, BP, and Shell are also among the top polluters. In addition, a Carbon Majors Report identified 25 corporate and state-owned entities as the source of more than half of global industrial emissions since 1988. The report highlights the role that companies and investors can play in tackling climate change, with a focus on fossil fuel producers. According to the CDP, 100 companies were responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions between 1988 and 2015. In the United States, the Political Economy Research Institute identified 100 companies or entities that produced nearly 6 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions in 2020 alone. This raises important questions about accountability and the future of the planet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for most pollution | 20, 57, 100 |
| Percentage of global emissions | 35%, 80%, 71% |
| Top polluting companies | Vistra Energy, Southern Company, Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66, Valero Energy, Exxon Mobil, Peabody Energy, Chevron, Berkshire Hathaway, NextEra Energy, NRG Energy, BP |
| Top polluting car type | 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2007-2014 Audi R8, Chevrolet Camaro, Porsche Macan |
| Largest corporate emitter in 2021 | Vistra Energy |
| Country with the largest emissions in June 2023 | China |
| Country with the second-largest emissions in June 2023 | United States |
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What You'll Learn
The 20 most polluting companies in the world
Research by Richard Heede at the Climate Accountability Institute in the US revealed that just 20 companies have contributed to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane worldwide, totalling 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) since 1965. These companies have continued to expand their operations despite knowing the devastating impact of their industries on the planet.
The leading state-owned polluter, Saudi Aramco, has produced 4.38% of all carbon dioxide and methane since 1965. Chevron, Exxon, BP, and Shell are also among the highest emitting investor-owned companies. Together, these four global businesses are behind more than 10% of the world’s carbon emissions since 1965. Twelve of the top 20 companies are state-owned, and their extractions are responsible for 20% of total emissions in the same period.
The five biggest oil and gas companies spent $200 million lobbying to delay, control, or block policies addressing climate change. Many of the top polluters spend millions each year lobbying governments and presenting themselves as eco-friendly. According to Heede, these companies have “significant moral, financial, and legal obligations and burdens related to the climate crisis”.
While the 20 most polluting companies are not named in the sources, a Carbon Majors Database report identifies 100 companies responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions since 1988. These include ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron. The report also names Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea as companies supporting the transition to a carbon-free economy, committing to obtaining energy from 100% renewable sources.
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Fossil fuel companies and climate change
Fossil fuel companies have played a significant role in driving climate change and its devastating impacts. The burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, and coal, produces carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the main driver of climate change and contributes to increasing global temperatures and sea levels. Despite knowing the harmful effects of their products, many major fossil fuel companies have deceived the public and policymakers, spread disinformation, and obstructed climate policies.
Research has revealed that just 20 fossil fuel companies are responsible for more than one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the modern era. These companies, including Chevron, Exxon, BP, Shell, Saudi Aramco, and Gazprom, have continued to expand their operations despite being aware of the devastating impact of their industry on the planet. They have also spent millions of dollars lobbying to delay, control, or block policies addressing climate change.
The actions of these companies have had severe consequences. If the extraction of fossil fuels continues at the current rate, it is estimated that the global average temperature will rise by up to 4°C, leading to the possible extinction of numerous species and threatening world food production. Additionally, the disinformation campaigns and denial of climate change by fossil fuel companies have hindered public understanding and delayed crucial action to address the climate crisis.
To make matters worse, fossil fuel companies have engaged in "greenwashing," presenting themselves as eco-friendly and part of the climate solution while actively working to undermine or limit the scope of climate policies. For example, Shell acknowledged the connection between climate change and the burning of fossil fuels but claimed it would combat climate change by continuing to produce oil and gas. Exxon has also shifted its language from blatant climate denial to more subtle forms of delayism, using rhetoric about risk and individualized responsibility.
As a result of their actions, fossil fuel companies are facing a wave of lawsuits alleging deceptive practices, potential fraud, and climate damages. There is a growing demand for these companies to be held accountable for their role in the climate crisis and to bear their fair share of responsibility for the damage caused by their products.
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Oil and gas companies lobbying governments
Oil and gas companies are among the top polluters in the world, and they spend millions of dollars annually lobbying governments and presenting themselves as eco-friendly. The five biggest oil and gas companies spent $200 million to delay, control, or block policies addressing climate change. This is despite the fact that these companies are aware of the devastating impact of their industry on the planet.
The fossil fuel lobby includes paid representatives from the oil, gas, and coal industries, as well as related fields like chemicals, plastics, aviation, and transportation. Due to their economic importance and wealth, these lobbies have a significant influence on government policy. They promote climate change denial and work to obstruct policies related to environmental protection and climate action.
In the United States, oil and gas companies have contributed financially to political campaigns, with a preference for Republican candidates. During the 2004 election, they donated over $25 million, and in 2006, they contributed over $19 million, with the majority going to Republicans. The fossil fuel industry spent approximately $125 million in 2022 to influence the government.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a powerful lobbyist arm of the largest oil and gas companies, collectively known as Big Oil. They have spent substantial amounts on lobbying and political campaigns, employing hundreds of lobbyists to obstruct and delay action on climate change. API has opposed policies like the Inflation Reduction Act's methane tax provisions and the switch to electric vehicles.
Oil and gas companies have also targeted specific communities with their lobbying efforts. For example, the Western States Petroleum Association led an advertising campaign aimed at California's Spanish-speaking population, urging Latino families to oppose laws promoting the transition to electric vehicles. Exxon spent $2 million on Facebook ads with similar messages. These companies exploit media and public platforms to push their agendas and maintain their profits.
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The top 20 climate culprits
According to research by Richard Heede at the Climate Accountability Institute in the US, just 20 companies have contributed to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane worldwide, totalling 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) since 1965. These companies, aware of the threat of climate change since the 1950s, have continued to expand their operations, putting profits before the planet.
The leading state-owned polluter, Saudi Aramco, has produced 4.38% of all carbon dioxide and methane since 1965. The top investor-owned companies include Chevron, Exxon, BP, and Shell, which together are responsible for over 10% of the world's carbon emissions since 1965. These companies, along with other major polluters, spend millions lobbying governments and blocking policies addressing climate change while presenting themselves as eco-friendly.
The Carbon Majors Report, published by environmental non-profit CDP in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, found that 100 companies were responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions between 1988 and 2015. The report aims to improve transparency among fossil fuel producers and help investors understand the emissions associated with their investments. ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies since 1988.
The public and political debate should focus on holding these companies accountable for their carbon emissions, as their collective actions have severe consequences for the planet. If fossil fuel extraction continues at the current rate, the global average temperature is projected to rise by up to 4°C, leading to species extinction and threatening world food production.
While some companies argue that they are not directly responsible for how their products are used, the top 20 climate culprits must recognize their significant moral, financial, and legal obligations in addressing the climate crisis.
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The US as the second-largest emitter
The US is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. However, historically, the country has cumulatively produced more carbon dioxide than any other nation. The US has the world's second-largest fleet of coal plants, with 234GW of operating coal plants as of January 2021. Five states, with Wyoming as the top producer, account for about 71% of the country's total coal production.
The US's high emissions are due to the dominance of its gasoline-fuelled transportation industry. The citizens of the US have carbon footprints that are roughly three times the global average. The country is also the third-largest producer of coal and has the largest reserves in the world, with around a quarter of the global total.
Despite the US's significant contribution to global emissions, climate change is a highly divisive issue in US politics. While the Obama administration took steps to cut emissions, such as creating standards to save fuel and providing bailouts to auto companies that invested in improving vehicle efficiency, government action has often been blocked by members of the Republican Party.
However, following the election of Joe Biden as president, there is hope that his administration will prioritise climate action. Additionally, more large US corporations are supporting the transition to a carbon-free economy, including well-known companies like Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea.
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Frequently asked questions
A total of nearly 6 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions were produced by 100 companies or entities in the US in 2020 alone. Some of the top polluters include Vistra Energy, Duke Energy, Southern Company, and Berkshire Hathaway.
According to the Carbon Majors Database report, 100 companies have been the source of 71% of global GHG emissions since 1988. The top 10 companies that emit the most carbon dioxide include Chevron, Exxon, BP, and Shell.
A lot of the pollution comes from the extraction, refinement, and delivery of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Additionally, companies spend millions lobbying governments to delay, control, or block policies addressing climate change.
Researchers and organizations like the Climate Accountability Institute aim to hold these companies accountable and shift the focus from individual responsibility. Investors also have a responsibility to engage with carbon majors and urge them to disclose climate risks and move away from fossil fuels.
