Greta Jimenez
The history of corporate pollution is a complex and contentious issue, with the industrial revolution marking a significant turning point. Since the late 1950s, and especially since 1965 when the environmental impact of fossil fuels was recognised, corporations have been aware of the consequences of their actions. Despite this, many have chosen to prioritise profits over sustainability, with 100 companies being responsible for 71% of global emissions related to fossil fuel and cement production. This has resulted in a climate emergency, threatening humanity's future. While some corporations are now transitioning to renewable energy sources, many continue to lobby and block measures to reduce emissions, highlighting the need for accountability and a shift in focus from individual responsibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for 71% of global emissions | 100 |
| Number of companies responsible for over 50% of global industrial emissions | 25 |
| Highest emitting investor-owned companies | ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron |
| Companies responsible for 35% of energy-related carbon dioxide and methane worldwide | 20 |
| Companies responsible for 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965 | 20 |
| Leading state-owned polluter | Saudi Aramco |
| Percentage of emissions from consumption of products | 88% |
| Companies responsible for 10% of global emissions | Fashion industry |
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What You'll Learn
The 100 most polluting corporations
The CDP report reveals that 32% of emissions come from public investor-owned companies, making their investors key agents in the transition to a sustainable economy. Despite this, the main issue with many corporations is their lack of concern for climate change, instead prioritizing short-term profits. For example, Exxon, a multinational gas and oil company, was aware of climate change for decades but led efforts to block measures to reduce emissions.
The fashion industry is another major polluter, responsible for 10% of global emissions. However, consumers who lack the funds to buy from sustainable brands are often blamed, rather than the companies themselves. This trend of holding consumers responsible is also seen in other industries, with individuals encouraged to buy 'greener' products, rather than addressing the systemic issues caused by corporations.
Some corporations have taken steps towards sustainability, with nearly 100 companies including Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea committing to 100% renewable power under the RE100 initiative. Volvo has also announced that all its cars will be electric or hybrid from 2019 onwards. Oil and gas companies are also making green investments, with Shell investing $1.7 billion in a renewables arm in 2015, and Chevron investing in carbon capture projects. While these efforts are encouraging, the future of the planet depends on systemic change, with international oil companies warned that they face a "nasty, brutish and short" end within the next 10 years if they do not change their business models.
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Fossil fuel companies and climate change
Fossil fuel companies have played a significant role in driving climate change, and their actions have contributed to the increasing global temperatures and sea levels. The energy business is one of the largest industries in the world, and major fossil fuel companies routinely make substantial profits by extracting and distributing oil, gas, and coal. While these companies have profited immensely, the burning of fossil fuels has been identified as the primary driver of climate change due to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Despite their awareness of the detrimental impact of their products, many fossil fuel companies have failed to acknowledge the harm they have caused and have not committed to reducing global warming emissions. Instead, they have engaged in deceptive practices, spreading disinformation, and obstructing climate policies. For example, companies like ExxonMobil have been accused of conducting climate disinformation campaigns and delaying action to protect their profits. Even when some companies publicly acknowledged the scientific consensus on climate change, they often promoted market-based solutions that allowed them to continue business as usual.
The responsibility for addressing climate change has often been placed on consumers, with individuals encouraged to make greener choices. However, the reality is that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and only 25 corporations and state-owned entities are accountable for over 50% of global industrial emissions since 1988. These entities, including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron, have contributed significantly to climate change through their historical emissions.
While some fossil fuel companies continue to deny or downplay their impact, others have started to support the transition to a carbon-free economy. Leading this change are companies like Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea, who have committed to obtaining energy from 100% renewable sources. However, the pace of change and the sums involved are often criticized as insufficient to address the scale of the problem. As a result, international oil companies are facing increasing pressure to adapt their business models or risk becoming obsolete within the next decade.
The role of fossil fuel companies in preventing climate action is concerning, and their deceptive practices have led to a wave of lawsuits alleging fraud and climate damages. Despite their efforts to block measures, the scientific consensus and the growing public awareness of their responsibility in the climate crisis are holding these companies accountable for their actions. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, fossil fuel companies will need to transition away from their reliance on extractive practices and contribute meaningfully to climate solutions.
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Corporations and their ignorance of climate change
Despite this, corporations have largely ignored their role in driving climate change, prioritizing short-term profits over environmental sustainability. Many corporations have shown a blatant disregard for the planet, with their actions revealing a profound ignorance of the consequences of their operations. For instance, Exxon, a multinational gas and oil company, has been aware of climate change for decades but has actively blocked measures to reduce emissions. Similarly, BP spent millions advertising their cleaner natural gas and low-carbon energy while continuing to invest predominantly in oil and gas.
Corporations have the power and resources to make significant changes to reduce their environmental impact. They can easily adopt greener and more sustainable practices, but often, these changes are only implemented due to external pressure or the potential for increased profits. The tissue sector, for example, has been identified as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with companies like Procter and Gamble (P&G) using virgin pulp in their disposable paper, hygiene, and baby care products, resulting in substantial emissions. While P&G has committed to reducing its annual emissions by 50% by 2030, this target only covers a small fraction of its total emissions, excluding those from the production and disposal of its products.
The fashion industry is another notable example of corporate ignorance regarding climate change. As the second-biggest industrial polluter, responsible for 10% of global emissions, the industry often shifts the blame to consumers, particularly those from working-class backgrounds who cannot afford sustainable brands. This hypocrisy is evident when corporations advocate for cleaner energy or "green consumerism" while failing to address their own substantial contributions to the climate crisis.
While some corporations are beginning to support the transition to a carbon-free economy, the overall response from corporate leaders has been inadequate, with many failing to acknowledge the urgency of the situation. It is crucial that corporations take drastic measures to reduce their emissions and prioritize the planet's health over short-term profitability.
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The fashion industry as the second-biggest polluter
The fashion industry has often been labelled as the second-biggest polluter globally, but this claim has been challenged. While it is true that the industry contributes significantly to pollution, particularly water pollution, other sectors, such as agriculture and mining, also play a significant role.
The fashion industry's environmental impact is undeniable. It produces 20% of global wastewater, and clothing and footwear production accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The manufacturing process heavily relies on hard coal and natural gas for electricity and heat generation, and if practices continue unchanged, emissions from the industry are projected to increase by nearly 50% by 2030. Moreover, the industry's water consumption is staggering, with an estimated 79 billion cubic meters of water used globally in 2015—more than electricity production. The production of a single pair of jeans, for instance, requires 7,500 litres of water, equivalent to the amount an average person drinks in seven years.
However, the claim that the fashion industry is the second-biggest polluter has been contested. While it undoubtedly contributes to pollution, there is a lack of comprehensive research and data to support its ranking as the second-worst offender. Other industries, such as agriculture, mining, and transportation, also have significant environmental impacts and may contribute more to overall pollution.
Despite the ongoing debate about the fashion industry's precise ranking, there is a growing awareness among producers and consumers about the need for change. Several companies, including large retailers like H&M and Guess, are integrating sustainability principles into their business strategies. They are implementing initiatives such as garment collection schemes, wardrobe recycling programmes, and the use of recycled materials in production. Smaller companies are also driving change by building sustainability into their business models, upcycling materials, and adopting "take-back schemes" for returned items.
While the fashion industry's impact on the environment is significant, addressing climate change requires a broader perspective. Corporations across various industries have been identified as major contributors to global emissions, with just 100 companies responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. Fossil fuel companies, in particular, have been singled out, with Exxon, ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron among the highest emitting investor-owned entities during this period. As a result, there are increasing calls for corporations to transition to more sustainable practices and business models, with some leading companies like Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea supporting the shift to a carbon-free economy.
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Green consumerism as a solution
While corporations have been major polluters since at least 1988, with just 25 corporate and state-owned entities responsible for over 50% of global industrial emissions during that time, green consumerism has been proposed as a solution. Green consumerism refers to consumers choosing to buy ecologically friendly products and services to reduce their environmental impact. There is a growing demand for such products, particularly among millennials, with surveys showing that 65% want to buy from sustainable brands.
However, there is a gap between consumer intent and action, with only around 26% of those expressing positive attitudes towards eco-friendly products following through with their purchases. This could be due to a lack of awareness of green alternatives, the higher cost of such products, or the difficulty of finding green goods and services. To address this, businesses need to educate consumers about the environmental impact of their choices and the availability of eco-friendly options, while also ensuring that these products are affordable and accessible.
Some corporations have already started to embrace sustainability, with Apple, Facebook, Google, and Ikea committing to obtaining energy from 100% renewable sources. Government regulation and supervision of environmental law enforcement have also been shown to positively impact corporate carbon reduction performance, particularly among large-scale enterprises.
While green consumerism alone may not be sufficient to address the environmental impact of corporations, it can be a powerful tool when combined with effective environmental policies. By promoting green technology and curbing corporate emissions, policymakers can encourage corporations to prioritize sustainability and reduce their negative impact on the planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Corporations have been polluting since at least 1965, and likely much earlier.
Chevron, Exxon, BP, and Shell are some of the biggest corporate polluters.
The top 20 polluting corporations have contributed to around a third of all carbon emissions since 1965.
Corporate pollution has led to climate change, species extinction, and global food scarcity risks.
Governments and consumers can hold corporations accountable, divest from polluting industries, and transition to a carbon-free economy.
