Bronte Wells
The world's most polluting industries include fossil fuels, livestock production, fashion, and construction. According to various reports, a small number of companies within these sectors are responsible for a significant portion of global emissions. For example, a 2015 study found that just 100 companies have been the source of more than 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988, with ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron among the highest emitters. Another report identified the top 20 polluting companies, contributing to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane worldwide. These companies have been accused of delaying national and global action on climate change and lobbying to protect their interests. As the public and political debate shifts towards holding these companies accountable, it remains to be seen if their profitable and polluting ways will continue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of companies responsible for most pollution | 20-100 |
| Percentage of global GHG emissions | 35%-71% |
| Industries | Fossil fuels, livestock production, fashion, construction |
| Companies | ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, Saudi Aramco |
| Actions | Lobbying to protect polluting ways, presenting themselves as eco-friendly, investing in renewable energy sources |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel companies
The Carbon Majors Report, published by CDP in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, identifies 25 corporate and state-owned entities as the source of more than half of global industrial emissions since 1988. ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron are among the highest emitting investor-owned companies during this period. If fossil fuel extraction continues at the same rate over the next 28 years, global temperatures are predicted to rise by 4°C by the end of the century, leading to potential species extinction and threats to world food production.
The top 20 fossil fuel companies have contributed 480 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965. The global polluters list calculates the emissions from the produced fuels that are emitted throughout the supply chain, from extraction to end use. It is estimated that 90% of the emissions attributed to these top 20 companies come from the use of their products, such as petrol, jet fuel, natural gas, and thermal coal.
In 2023, 36 fossil fuel giants, mostly state-owned companies, produced more than 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Saudi Aramco, a Saudi company, topped the list, accounting for 4.38% of global CO2 emissions. If Aramco was a country, it would be the fourth-largest polluter in the world. Other top polluters include Coal India, the world's largest government-owned coal producer, and CHN Energy, a Chinese state-owned mining and energy company. American ExxonMobil and Chevron, as well as British Shell, were also in the top 20.
Despite the urgent need to reduce emissions, some energy companies have doubled down on fossil fuels. For example, British BP has announced a "strategic reset" to cut its renewable energy investments and focus on increasing oil and gas production. Fossil fuel companies risk wasting trillions of dollars by pursuing coal, oil, and gas projects that may become worthless due to international action on climate change and the advancement of renewable energy sources.
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Livestock production
The livestock industry has a significant environmental impact, and it is widely recognised as one of the most polluting industries. Livestock production processes are the biggest contributor to farm emissions, generating 4 billion tons of CO2eq in 2018. This is largely due to the digestive process of ruminants such as cattle and sheep, which produces methane, as well as manure management, feed production, land use change, energy use, and the processing and packaging of meat.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, livestock production accounted for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2013. However, this estimate is based on data from 2004 and 2005, and more recent data and science indicate that the contribution could be higher or lower. For example, a 2018 independent study estimated that livestock production accounted for about 15% of global emissions, while researchers at Illinois State University and the FAO estimated that it accounted for about 19.6% in 2010.
The impact of the livestock industry on the environment is not limited to greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a major cause of water pollution, with manure and its contaminants polluting water sources such as streams, rivers, and underground aquifers. This contamination can have serious public health consequences, causing acute health issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as long-term problems like cancer and birth defects. Additionally, the intensive rearing of livestock in animal feeding operations damages air quality in nearby communities, contributing to climate change and causing health issues.
The livestock industry's environmental impact is further exacerbated by the trend of increasing consumption of animal products, particularly in developing countries. This has led to more crop production for animals and long-term meat preservation, disconnecting consumers from the environmental consequences of their food choices. However, it is important to note that some ecosystems are better suited to livestock production than crop cultivation, as it can be a more efficient and sustainable land use system in certain conditions.
To address the environmental and climate impact of the livestock industry, a shift towards regenerative agriculture, or carbon farming, is necessary. This approach offers a more sustainable way to produce food while sequestering more carbon in the soil. Additionally, reducing meat consumption and transitioning to a carbon-free economy are crucial steps in mitigating the environmental harm caused by livestock production.
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Fashion industry
The fashion industry is the third most polluting industry in the world, producing about 10% of our annual carbon footprint—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. It is a major contributor to water pollution, with textile dyeing being the world's second-largest polluter of water. The industry also consumes enough water to meet the drinking needs of five million people annually.
The fast fashion business model relies on the rapid exploitation of resources and labour to deliver garments following the latest trends at unprecedented rates. This quick output of garments demands a large volume of raw materials, creating a significant amount of waste, pollution, and degradation to air, water, and wildlife habitats. For instance, Shein, a fast-fashion company, reportedly uploads 1000 new styles daily, with each garment manufactured ranging from 50 to 100 units. This results in a minimum of 50,000 new garments being created every day by Shein alone.
Textile dyeing and finishing processes are responsible for about 20% of global clean water pollution, as the polluted water is often dumped into ditches, streams, and rivers. Moreover, the fashion industry's use of synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic contributes to the microplastics found in our oceans. A single laundry load of polyester clothes can release 700,000 microplastic fibres, and washing synthetic products leads to the accumulation of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of microplastics on the ocean floor annually.
To address these issues, the European Commission has presented a strategy to make textiles more durable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable, tackling fast fashion and encouraging innovation. This includes new ecodesign requirements, clearer information, and a Digital Product Passport. The EU has also proposed tougher measures to curb excessive textile production and consumption, emphasizing respect for human, social, and labour rights, as well as environmental and animal welfare.
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Construction
One of the major sources of pollution in the construction industry is air pollution. Diesel engines that power vehicles and heavy machinery, such as breakers, bulldozers, and excavators, release pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. These diesel-powered engines are also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the movement of machinery, demolition, and material handling release fine dust, which can pose health risks, especially to vulnerable groups.
Water pollution is another concern in the construction industry. Excavation, demolition, drilling, and other construction activities can release pollutants that contaminate nearby water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. Chemical pollution occurs when improperly disposed of materials, such as paints, solvents, and adhesives, flow into these water sources. Water pollution can have harmful effects on both humans and aquatic life, leading to health issues and disruptions in ecosystems.
Noise pollution is also a serious issue at construction sites. The loud sounds from drilling, excavating, and heavy machinery can be continuous and impact the well-being of nearby residents. It can induce hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and even scare off local wildlife, affecting their habitats.
To reduce the environmental and health impacts of construction pollution, it is crucial to develop comprehensive pollution mitigation plans. This includes optimizing industrial processes, improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable practices, and reducing waste. Implementing energy-efficient technologies, such as automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced control systems, can help minimize energy consumption and waste. Additionally, designing buildings for minimal energy consumption and using low-carbon materials can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry.
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Top polluting vehicles
The fossil fuel industry is the most polluting sector in the world. However, within the automobile sector, SUVs and pickup trucks are notorious for their fuel inefficiency and high emissions. These vehicles consume a lot of fuel to achieve quick acceleration, top speeds, and immense torque. The EU has set stricter limits on car emissions, and from 2021, the average emission limit for a manufacturer's entire fleet was set at 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Pickup trucks produce the most emissions on average, with small cars emitting 2040 kg less CO2 per year than a pickup truck. The RAM 1500 TRX 4x4 is a gas-guzzling machine with a supercharged engine, burning through premium fuel at a rapid rate. With a weight of 7000 pounds, it emits 16 tons of greenhouse gases per year and has a fuel economy of 10 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway. The Dodge Charger SRT Widebody is another powerful vehicle with a supercharged engine, emitting 13 tons of greenhouse gases per year and achieving 12 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Some large SUVs are more fuel-efficient than others, and hybrid and electric models are becoming more common. Tesla is leading the way in reducing the car industry's CO2 emissions, with 100% electric sales by 2030. However, Toyota has been criticised for its lack of action, receiving the worst score for climate lobbying and a low score for its plan to produce electric cars. Honda and Suzuki are also among the lowest-rated brands.
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Frequently asked questions
A 2015 Carbon Tracker study found that 100 companies have been the source of 71% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. The top polluters are all in the fossil fuel industry and include ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron.
These companies produce coal, oil, and natural gas, which are the largest contributors to global warming. They have also been accused of actively lobbying to delay, control, or block policies addressing climate change.
If fossil fuel extraction continues at the current rate, global average temperatures are predicted to rise by up to 4°C by the end of the century. This will result in the possible extinction of many species and a serious threat to world food production.
There is a growing movement to shift energy sources from fossil fuels to renewable power such as solar and wind. Additionally, investors are being encouraged to move their investments out of fossil fuels and into more sustainable industries.
Yes, livestock production processes, fashion, and construction are also major contributors to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
