Meghan Hodges
The world's top polluting companies are responsible for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions, threatening humanity with a climate emergency. Research has revealed that just 20 state-owned and multinational companies have contributed to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane emissions worldwide, totalling 480 billion tonnes since 1965. The leading state-owned polluter, Saudi Aramco, has produced 4.38% of carbon dioxide and methane emissions during this period. The top polluters also include oil and gas companies, which have collectively spent millions lobbying to delay or block policies addressing climate change. While some companies argue they are not directly responsible for how their extracted resources are consumed, there is a growing wave of corporations supporting the transition to a carbon-free economy, with Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea committing to 100% renewable energy sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions | 100 |
| Number of companies responsible for 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane worldwide | 20 |
| Leading state-owned polluter | Saudi Aramco |
| Percentage of global carbon dioxide and methane produced by Saudi Aramco since 1965 | 4.38% |
| Total carbon dioxide produced by the top 20 companies since 1965 | 480 billion tonnes |
| Amount spent by the five biggest oil and gas companies to lobby against policies addressing climate change | $200 million |
| Third most polluting industry | Fashion |
| Percentage of annual carbon footprint produced by the fashion industry | 10% |
| Most polluting industries | Aviation, freight, construction |
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What You'll Learn
The fashion industry: 10% of carbon footprint, water consumption, plastic waste
The fashion industry is responsible for a significant proportion of the world's carbon emissions, water consumption, and plastic waste.
Carbon Emissions
The fashion industry could represent 26% of global carbon emissions by 2050 if left unchecked, according to a report by the NRDC. The production of synthetic fibres like polyester, which require 1.3 billion barrels of oil annually, is a major contributor to these emissions.
Water Consumption
The fashion industry is a thirsty industry, with the processing of conventional textiles requiring 100-150 litres of water for every kilogram of fibre. The treatment and dyeing of textiles contribute to about 20% of industrial water pollution globally, as 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles.
Plastic Waste
Clothing accounts for a fifth of the world's 300 million tons of plastic pollution each year. When synthetic garments are washed, they release microplastics into waterways, contributing to the vast amount of plastic pollution in our oceans.
While some fashion brands are partnering with organisations to raise awareness of the harmful effects of ocean plastics and source sustainable materials, the industry as a whole needs to do more to reduce its environmental impact. New York's Fashion Act seeks to hold big brands accountable for their environmental and labour practices, and consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable fashion options.
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Food retail: 8-10% of GHG emissions from food and plastic waste
Food waste is responsible for 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This includes emissions from food lost or wasted at various stages of the supply chain, such as during transport and processing, as well as food thrown away by retailers and consumers. The food production system is responsible for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and food waste accounts for approximately a quarter of that figure.
The environmental impact of food waste goes beyond greenhouse gas emissions. Land, water, energy, and fertilizer inputs are required to produce food that is never consumed, depleting natural resources and causing ecological damage. Additionally, food packaging production and disposal contribute to GHG emissions, particularly with the increased use of plastic packaging due to its low production costs and durability.
The online food delivery services (OFDS) industry has been identified as a growing contributor to GHG emissions associated with food packaging. The manufacturing sector, including the production of food packaging materials, contributes 11% of emissions, while the waste sector contributes 2.3% through the disposal of solid waste.
To reduce the environmental impact of food retail, interventions are necessary to minimise food waste and improve packaging and waste management practices. Strategies may include halving food loss and waste generation, reducing meat consumption, implementing technological advancements, and encouraging consumer behaviour changes, such as opting out of unnecessary packaging materials.
While some companies are taking steps towards sustainability, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, the responsibility for reducing emissions lies with both corporations and politicians. The transition to a carbon-free economy requires collective efforts, including investors, who can drive change by making their economic support conditional on companies' commitments to decarbonization.
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Fossil fuel companies: 35% of energy-related carbon emissions
The world is facing a climate crisis, and fossil fuel companies are at the heart of it. Research has revealed that just 20 fossil fuel companies are responsible for 35% of all energy-related carbon emissions. These companies have driven the world towards an environmental catastrophe, threatening the future of humanity, by relentlessly exploiting the world's oil, gas, and coal reserves.
The Climate Accountability Institute's analysis, led by Richard Heede, evaluated the global corporations' extractions and the subsequent emissions from the fuels they produced since 1965. This was the year experts believe the environmental impact of fossil fuels was known by industry leaders and politicians. The top 20 companies on the list have contributed to a staggering 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since then.
The leading state-owned polluter, Saudi Aramco, has produced 4.38% of all carbon dioxide and methane since 1965. This is followed by investor-owned firms Chevron and Exxon. Other well-known names on the list include Shell, BP, and ConocoPhillips. These companies have continued to expand their operations, even as the devastating impact on the planet became clear.
The research aims to shift the focus of the debate from individual responsibilities to the power structures and financial interests that allow fossil fuel firms to keep growing. It also intends to press governments and corporations to take urgent action to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. The UN has warned that the world has less than a decade to avoid the worst consequences of global heating.
While some fossil fuel companies have disputed claims regarding their environmental impact, many have acknowledged the climate crisis and expressed support for transitioning to renewable energy sources. However, investors in these companies must also recognize their role in the transition to a sustainable economy and make their support conditional on committing to decarbonization.
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State-owned companies: 20% of emissions
State-owned companies have been responsible for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions. According to research by Richard Heede at the Climate Accountability Institute, 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. Out of these 20 companies, 12 are state-owned, and their extractions are responsible for 20% of total emissions in the same period.
The leading state-owned polluter is Saudi Aramco, which has produced 4.38% of the global total on its own. Other state-owned companies among the top polluters include PetroChina, the predecessor of China National Petroleum, and the American Petroleum Institute. These companies have been accused of actively lobbying to delay or block policies addressing climate change and downplaying their responsibility for environmental impact.
The high emissions from state-owned companies highlight the role of fossil fuel companies in perpetuating the climate crisis. Michael Mann, a leading climate scientist, calls for urgent measures to rein in their activities. He points out the moral failing of political systems that have allowed these companies to prioritize profits over the planet, causing seven and a half billion people to pay the price of a degraded planet.
While some companies dispute their environmental impact, most accept the climate science and express support for targets set out in agreements like the Paris Agreement. They claim to be investing in renewable or low-carbon energy sources and acknowledge the importance of addressing the climate crisis. However, their actions often do not match their words, as they continue to expand their operations and influence.
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Investor-owned companies: 32% of emissions
The Carbon Majors Database report reveals that 32% of emissions come from public investor-owned companies. This makes their investors a key agent in the transition to a sustainable economy. Investors who continue to invest in fossil fuels will find that this strategy will become riskier over time. The energy sector is evolving rapidly, and the transition could leave those who persist in investing in fossil fuels stranded.
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a non-profit organization that helps governments, companies, and investors manage their environmental impact by disclosing information globally. According to the CDP, 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions since 1998. Over half of the world's industrial emissions since 1988 can be traced back to just 25 state-owned companies and entities.
The 100 companies responsible for the majority of global GHG emissions include Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea. These companies are leading the transition to a carbon-free economy by committing to obtaining energy from 100% renewable sources.
The top 20 polluting companies, which are state-owned or multinational, have contributed to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane worldwide, totaling 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965. These companies have continued to expand their operations despite being aware of their devastating impact on the planet.
The public and political debate should focus more on holding these companies accountable for their carbon emissions. Leading companies and industry associations were "aware of, or wilfully ignored, the threat of climate change from continued use of their products since the late 1950s," according to Richard Heede at the Climate Accountability Institute.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a report by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions since 1998.
The Carbon Majors Database report names the following companies as those which emit the most carbon dioxide: ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, and Saudi Aramco.
Investors play a key role in tackling climate change by influencing the companies they invest in to commit to decarbonization and renewable energy sources.
Some companies argue that they are not directly responsible for how the oil, gas, or coal they extract are used by consumers. Many also spend millions lobbying governments and presenting themselves as eco-friendly.
