The issue of global carbon emissions is complex, and there are various ways to measure and attribute responsibility to companies. However, based on different data sources and methodologies, here are some of the companies that have been identified as significant emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) globally:
- Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) - Saudi Aramco is a state-owned oil company in Saudi Arabia and is considered the world's largest oil producer. It has been identified as one of the top emitters of carbon emissions globally, with its oil extraction and refining operations being major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Chevron Corporation - Chevron is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, headquartered in the United States. Its operations in oil and gas exploration, production, and refining have been associated with significant carbon emissions.
- Exxon Mobil Corporation - Exxon Mobil, also known as Exxon or ExxonMobil, is a major oil and gas company based in the United States. It has been identified as one of the largest emitters of carbon emissions globally due to its operations in oil and gas extraction, refining, and marketing.
- BP PLC - BP, formerly known as British Petroleum, is a multinational oil and gas company based in the United Kingdom. Its operations in oil and gas exploration, production, and refining have been associated with significant carbon emissions.
- China Coal Energy Company Limited - China Coal Energy Company Limited is a state-owned coal mining and energy company in China. As coal is a significant source of carbon emissions, this company has been identified as one of the top emitters of greenhouse gases globally.
- ConocoPhillips - ConocoPhillips is a major oil and gas company headquartered in the United States. Its operations in oil and gas exploration, production, and refining have been associated with significant carbon emissions.
These 20 companies on the chart created by visual capitalist have contributed over a third of all carbon emissions since 1965 (MtCO2e).
Top 20 companies (total emission, MtCO₂e)
1. Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia) - 59,262
2. Chevro (United States) - 43,345
3. Gazprom (Russia) - 43,230
4. Exxon Mobil (United States) - 41,904
5. National Iranian Oil Co. (Iran) - 35,658
6. BP (United Kingdom) - 34,015
7. Royal Dutch Shell (Netherlands) - 31,948
8. Coal India (India) - 23,124
9. Pemex (Mexico) - 22,645
10. Petroleus de Venezuela (Venezuela) - 15,745
11. PetroChina (China) - 15,632
12. Peabody Energy (United States) - 15,385
13. ConocoPhillips (United States) - 15,229
14. Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (UAE) - 13,840
15. Kuwait Petroleum Corp. (Kuwait) - 13,479
16. Iraq National Oil Co. (Iraq) - 12,596
17. Total SA (France) - 12,352
18. Sonatrach (Algeria) - 12,302
19. BHP Billiton (Australia) - 9,802
20. Petrobras (Brazil) - 8,676.
60 percent of these companies are state-owned, while the rest are investor-owned.
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