Major fossil fuel companies linked to half of global carbon emissions

Just 36 fossil fuel companies accounted for half of the world’s carbon emissions in 2023, with emissions continuing to rise despite global climate commitments.

Damian Carrington reports for The Guardian.

In short:

The Carbon Majors report found that 36 major fossil fuel companies, including Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, and Shell, were responsible for over 20 billion tons of CO₂ emissions in 2023.
State-owned companies, primarily in China, make up the majority of these top emitters, with coal contributing 41% of emissions.
The data is being used in legal cases and regulatory actions to hold fossil fuel firms accountable for climate-related damages.

Key quote:

“These companies are keeping the world hooked on fossil fuels with no plans to slow production. The science is clear: we cannot move backwards to more fossil fuels and more extraction. Instead, we must move forward to the many possibilities of a decarbonised economic system that works for people and the planet.”

— Christiana Figueres, former United Nations climate chief

Why this matters:

The world is at a crossroads. To keep global warming within relatively safe limits, scientists warn that greenhouse gas emissions must plummet by 2030. Yet, despite this urgent call, fossil fuel production continues to expand, locking in future emissions and pushing the planet toward more severe climate disruptions.

Carbon pollution is fueling an era of extreme weather: wildfires that consume entire towns, hurricanes that stall and drench cities, and heat waves that push power grids to the brink. Rising global temperatures also pose a direct threat to food and water security, altering growing seasons and reducing the availability of fresh water in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Public health experts warn of the increasing toll — more heat-related illnesses, the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, and worsening air quality that exacerbates asthma and heart disease.

www.theguardian.com

Major fossil fuel companies linked to half of global carbon emissions

Clothes that cool you, warm you — and make power as you move

Gas from thawing Arctic permafrost is changing world's climate future

‘Explosion of melt rates’: 20% of Swiss glaciers lost in five years

Climate change’s compounding pressures on rural North Carolina

The true cost of Trump's fuel economy rollbacks

Montana officials praise repeal of power plant emission regulations, watchdog groups pan decision

The surprising allies backing Boulder's climate case before the Supreme Court

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.