Kiera Jefferson
The world's most polluting companies are responsible for a significant proportion of global emissions, with the fossil fuels sector being the most polluting industry. Research has revealed that just 20 to 100 companies are responsible for up to 71% of global emissions, with ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, and Saudi Aramco being among the highest emitters. These companies have often been accused of greenwashing and delaying action on climate change through lobbying and disinformation campaigns. While some companies are transitioning to renewable energy sources, others continue to invest in fossil fuels, risking stranding their investments as the world moves towards clean energy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for most pollution | 20-100 |
| Percentage of global emissions caused by these companies | 35%-71% |
| Carbon dioxide emissions since 1965 | 480 billion tonnes |
| Fossil fuel companies responsible for climate change denial | Exxon |
| Fossil fuel companies responsible for climate change denial expenditure | $30 million |
| Fossil fuel companies responsible for climate change denial expenditure time period | 30 years |
| Fossil fuel companies spending on lower-emission investments | $30 billion |
| Fossil fuel companies spending on lower-emission investments time period | 2025-2030 |
| Leading state-owned polluter | Saudi Aramco |
| Saudi Aramco's contribution to carbon dioxide and methane emissions since 1965 | 4.4% |
| Saudi Aramco's contribution to world's total carbon dioxide and methane emissions since 1965 | 59.26 billion tonnes |
| Companies taking initiatives to reduce emissions | Apple, Facebook, Google, Ikea, Volvo |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels: the most polluting sector
Fossil fuels are the most polluting sector, with the top 100 fossil fuel companies responsible for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. This small group of fossil fuel producers holds the key to systemic change on carbon emissions. The Carbon Majors Report, published by the environmental non-profit CDP in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, highlights the role these companies and their investors can play in tackling climate change.
The report found that more than half of global industrial emissions since 1988 can be traced to just 25 corporate and state-owned entities, with ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron among the highest emitting investor-owned companies. These companies have continued to expand their operations, despite being aware of the devastating impact of their industry on the planet.
The fossil fuel sector is under increasing scrutiny, and companies are accelerating their environmental strategies. However, emissions from fossil fuels continue to increase, with a 1% rise in 2022, reaching 40.5 gigatons of CO2. To stabilize the climate, a shift from coal, oil, and gas to renewable energy sources is necessary.
The transition to renewable energy is urgent, and fossil fuel companies risk wasting trillions by pursuing outdated projects. Investors are also at risk, as the world moves away from fossil fuels towards clean energy. Many companies are already committing to 100% renewable power, and oil and gas companies are making green investments.
The fossil fuel sector has a responsibility to address the climate crisis and play a part in the transition to a carbon-free economy.
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Top polluters: 20 companies named
The top 20 most polluting companies in the world have been revealed by researchers. These 20 companies, a mix of state-owned and multinational corporations, have contributed to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane emissions, totalling 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965.
The companies named in the polluters list include Saudi Aramco, which has the highest overall sum of CO2e emissions in the world since 1965, at 59.26 billion tonnes. This equates to about 4.4% of the world's carbon dioxide and methane emissions in the last 50-60 years. Aramco has pledged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its oil and gas production by 13% by 2025, although it currently has no climate strategy and is not investing in low-carbon technology.
Other companies on the list include Exxon, which spent decades pouring millions of dollars into disinformation campaigns designed to mislead the public about climate change. Exxon has also spent more than $30 million over 30 years on think tanks that have promoted climate denial. PetroChina, which claimed it had no responsibility for the emissions of its predecessor, China National Petroleum, was also named.
The five biggest oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron, spent $200 million lobbying to delay, control, or block policies addressing climate change. These companies have continued to expand their operations, despite knowing the devastating impact of their industry on the planet.
While the fossil fuel sector is the most polluting in the world, other polluting industries include fashion, which produces about 10% of our annual carbon footprint, and food retail, where most emissions come from food and plastic waste.
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Greenwashing: companies misleading the public
The fossil fuel industry is the most polluting sector in the world, with just 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions since 1988. ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies. Despite this, many fossil fuel companies continue to engage in greenwashing, misleading the public about their environmental initiatives.
Greenwashing is a deceitful advertising tactic used by companies to present themselves as more sustainable than they are. This can range from misleading packaging to false claims about environmental impact. For example, in 2019, BP was accused of greenwashing when an environmental group called ClientEarth filed a complaint against the company for advertising its low-carbon energy products while investing over 96% of its annual spend in oil and gas. ExxonMobil has also been criticized for advertising the potential of its experimental algae biofuels without committing to company-wide emission reduction targets.
The fashion industry, ranked as the third most polluting sector, is another notable example of greenwashing. In 2019, H&M launched its "Conscious" clothing line, claiming to use organic and recycled materials. However, this line was criticized as a marketing tactic, as there was no evidence to support its environmental benefits. Similarly, fast-fashion brands often promote "green" or "sustainable" collections without providing sufficient information or taking meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact.
Other companies accused of greenwashing include Volkswagen, which admitted to cheating emissions tests while marketing its vehicles as low-emission and eco-friendly. Royal Dutch Shell, one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, has also faced scrutiny for its renewable energy claims, as its substantial carbon emissions and legal challenges contradict its public image as a leader in renewable energy initiatives. McDonald's switch to paper straws has also been criticized as a superficial sustainability effort, as it fails to address the company's broader environmental footprint, including sourcing practices and waste management.
Greenwashing is a critical issue, as it misleads consumers and hinders progress towards genuine environmental sustainability. It is important for consumers and regulators to critically assess corporate claims and hold companies accountable for their environmental impact, ensuring that their actions match their marketing messages.
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Fashion industry: 10% of carbon footprint
The fashion industry is a significant contributor to global pollution, accounting for about 10% of carbon emissions. This percentage is more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The industry is the second-biggest consumer of water, and its production processes pollute rivers and streams.
The fast fashion model involves the rapid design, production, distribution, and marketing of clothing, allowing consumers to access a large variety of trendy and affordable clothing quickly. However, this rapid cycle contributes to increased emissions through air travel, as garments may travel multiple times during manufacturing. Additionally, the use of cheap materials shortens the lifespan of clothing, making them harder to repair and contributing to the perception of clothing as disposable.
The environmental impact of the fashion industry extends beyond carbon emissions and water consumption. It also generates significant waste, with 85% of all textiles ending up in landfills each year. The manufacturing and transportation processes release carbon emissions and contribute to water pollution from dyeing and microfibre pollution.
To reduce the industry's carbon footprint, individual and collective action is required. Consumers can play a role by buying less, choosing second-hand or sustainable clothing, and extending the lifespan of their garments. Brands, on the other hand, must reduce the number of collections they release, switch to renewable energy, and reduce the use of polluting materials like polyester.
While the fashion industry plays a significant role in global pollution, the fossil fuel sector remains the most polluting industry, with emissions continuing to increase. Fossil fuel companies have been criticised for lobbying to delay or block policies addressing climate change, and investors are encouraged to move away from these industries.
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Construction: 40% of emissions
The construction industry significantly impacts the environment, accounting for about 40% of global emissions. This includes the energy consumption and CO2 emissions that result from construction-related activities, transportation, and building material manufacturing.
A study by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) found that the construction industry accounts for 40% of worldwide energy usage, with estimations that emissions from commercial buildings will grow by 1.8% by 2030. The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction reported in its 2022 Global Status Report that total energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the construction industry increased in 2021 above pre-pandemic levels.
Construction activities also consume vast amounts of resources, including half of all resources extracted from nature, one-sixth of global freshwater consumption, one-quarter of wood consumption, and one-quarter of global waste. The extraction and transportation of building materials, as well as the use of diesel engines to power vehicles and heavy machinery, contribute significantly to air pollution.
To reduce the environmental impact of construction projects, comprehensive pollution mitigation plans should be developed. This includes identifying potential sources of pollution, setting requirements to limit pollution, establishing goals and practical steps for reducing pollution, and monitoring and reporting pollution levels throughout the project. Sustainable construction practices, such as using eco-friendly building materials, implementing erosion and sediment controls, and reducing waste through recycling, are essential to mitigate the industry's impact on the environment.
While the construction industry plays a significant role in polluting the Earth, it is important to note that the fossil fuels sector is considered the most polluting industry in the world, with emissions continuing to increase. A small number of fossil fuel companies and their investors hold the key to tackling climate change, as they have been identified as the source of more than 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988.
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Frequently asked questions
The fossil fuels sector is the most polluting industry in the world, with emissions reaching 40.5 gigatons of CO2 in 2022. Other polluting industries include fashion, food retail, and construction.
A report by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) found that 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions since 1988. ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies. Saudi Aramco, PetroChina, and France's TotalEnergies are also named as top polluters.
Fossil fuel companies have driven the climate crisis by exploiting the world's oil, gas, and coal reserves, despite knowing the dangers. These companies have also spent millions lobbying to delay or block policies addressing climate change.
Investors should move away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy. Organizations like the Climate Accountability Institute aim to hold big polluters accountable and leverage their skills and resources to drive change. Public and political debate should focus on corporate responsibility rather than individual action.
Yes, many large corporations are supporting the transition to a carbon-free economy. Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea have committed to 100% renewable power under the RE100 initiative. Volvo has also announced that all its cars will be electric or hybrid.
