Major Contributors to Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Identified

A recent report from the Carbon Majors database has highlighted a concerning trend in global emissions, revealing that over half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 can be attributed to just 36 fossil fuel and cement producers. This analysis suggests significant implications for climate action and accountability.

Key Findings of the Report

The climate watchdog’s findings indicate an increase in emissions from the largest producers of oil, gas, coal, and cement in 2023. Notably, state-owned companies dominate the sector, accounting for 16 out of the top 20 emitters.

Top Emitters

• State-Owned Companies: The five largest emitters, all state-owned, include:
  • Saudi Aramco
  • Coal India
  • CHN Energy
  • National Iranian Oil Company
  • Jinneng Group

  Collectively, these companies are responsible for nearly 20% of global emissions in 2023.

• Investor-Owned Companies: The top investor-owned emitters, which contributed 5% of global emissions, include major players such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, TotalEnergies, and BP.

Challenges in Holding State-Owned Companies Accountable

Emmett Connaire, a senior analyst at Carbon Majors, pointed out that while many climate accountability cases are directed at investor-owned firms, holding state-owned entities accountable poses a challenge. He remarked, “For state-owned companies, it’s not like western governments can sue them for their emissions as they’re under direct control of nation states.”

Broader Implications for Climate Commitments

This report emerges during a time when countries appear to be retreating from their climate pledges, with oil and gas companies increasing their fossil fuel activities nearly a decade after the Paris climate agreement was established. The analysis draws from a comprehensive database that tracks emissions related to the production and combustion of fossil fuels and cement from 180 major companies spanning from 1854 to 2023.

Legal and Legislative Impact

The data provided by the Carbon Majors database has been a valuable resource for activists pursuing litigation against fossil fuel producers and has influenced climate policy. For instance, Vermont became the first U.S. state to take legal action against oil companies for climate-related damages, basing its “climate superfund” legislation on findings from this database.

Country-Specific Emissions Trends

Even in the midst of a significant expansion of renewable energy in China, emissions from that country exceeded those of any other in 2023. Notably, eight Chinese companies were reported to be accountable for 17% of global emissions, with the ongoing reliance on coal being a major contributing factor.

While emissions from coal and cement production rose, natural gas emissions saw a decline of nearly 4% this past year, and oil emissions remained stable. Regions such as Australia and parts of Asia and North America experienced substantial increases—11%, 6%, and 3% respectively—compared to a decrease of 4% in Europe and a stagnant increase in the Middle East.

Conclusion

This report underscores an urgent need for reevaluation and stronger commitment to climate targets, as a small group of corporations continues to have an outsized impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. Ongoing monitoring and accountability measures will be crucial as the world grapples with the climate crisis.