Sylvie Willis
The burning of fossil fuels is a dominant cause of global warming, with global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and industry accounting for 89% of emissions in 2018. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to direct greenhouse gas emissions, with over 94% of the fuel used derived from petroleum. However, the industrial sector is the third-largest source of direct emissions, and when indirect emissions from electricity use are considered, it accounts for a much larger share of greenhouse gas emissions. While emissions can fluctuate due to various factors, the continued rebound in economic activity after the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in fossil fuel combustion emissions in 2022. Notably, a small number of fossil fuel companies bear significant responsibility for these emissions, with just 25 entities contributing more than half of global industrial emissions since 1988.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global emissions caused by industry | 87% of CO2 emissions from fuels, cement, and land use |
| Number of companies responsible for most emissions | 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions |
| Top emitting companies | ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, Saudi Aramco |
| Fossil fuel emissions in the US | 74% of total US human-caused greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 |
| US emissions increase from 2021 to 2022 | 0.2% increase |
| US emissions increase from fossil fuels from 2020 to 2022 | 8% increase |
| US emissions increase from natural gas consumption from 2021 to 2022 | 5% increase |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel emissions from transport
Fossil fuels are a significant contributor to global warming and climate change. The burning of fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. While various sectors contribute to these emissions, the transportation sector is a major player.
The transportation sector is a significant contributor to fossil fuel emissions. In the United States, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation account for about 28% of total US greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor. This includes emissions from burning fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. Over 94% of the fuel used in the transportation sector is petroleum-based, primarily gasoline and diesel, which results in direct emissions. The sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions and the second-largest source when indirect emissions from electricity use are considered.
Transportation's dependence on fossil fuels is evident in the fact that it accounts for more than a third of CO2 emissions from end-use sectors. The rebound in passenger and cargo transport activity following the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 3% increase in transport CO2 emissions in 2022 compared to 2021.
To address these emissions, various measures are being implemented. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed multi-pollutant emissions standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, aiming for 2050 net-zero emissions targets. The European Union is also pushing for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) through initiatives like the Green Deal Industrial Plan and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation. Additionally, there is a focus on encouraging less carbon-intensive travel options, such as walking, cycling, and public transport, as well as improving the energy efficiency of all transport modes.
While the transportation sector is taking steps to reduce its fossil fuel emissions, it is clear that burning fossil fuels for transportation has been a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. These emissions have direct consequences for the planet, and efforts to transition to more sustainable energy sources and reduce overall emissions are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
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Industrial emissions from burning fossil fuels
The industrial sector is a major contributor to these emissions, with industrial activities accounting for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the burning of fossil fuels for energy and certain chemical reactions necessary for producing goods from raw materials. The transportation sector, which relies heavily on petroleum-based fuels, is also a significant contributor, with over 94% of transportation fuel being derived from petroleum.
A small number of fossil fuel-producing companies have been identified as bearing a significant responsibility for global emissions. According to reports, just 25 companies have been linked to more than 50% of global industrial emissions since 1988. Additionally, 100 companies have been identified as the source of over 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions during the same period. These companies include ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron. The production and marketing of carbon-based fuels by these companies have contributed substantially to global warming and climate change.
While companies play a significant role in driving climate change, it is important to acknowledge that other parties also contribute to emissions and share responsibility. This includes individual consumers, corporate emitters, nations, airlines, and corporations. However, the influence and impact of the fossil fuel industry cannot be understated, and efforts to decarbonize industry and transition to renewable energy sources are critical to mitigating climate change.
To meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a significant reduction in fossil fuel production and associated emissions is necessary. This will require interventions by governments and a shift towards improved reporting and adherence to climate standards by fossil fuel companies. The transition to renewable energy sources and investments in clean energy technologies are crucial steps in addressing the impact of industrial emissions from burning fossil fuels.
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Fossil fuel companies' historical emissions
The Carbon Majors Report, published in collaboration with the Climate Accountability Institute, reveals that a small number of fossil fuel producers and investors are responsible for a significant proportion of global emissions. According to the report, just 100 companies have been the source of over 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988.
The report identifies 25 corporate and state-owned entities as being responsible for more than half of global industrial emissions during this period. ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron are among the highest-emitting investor-owned companies. If fossil fuel extraction continues at the same rate over the next 28 years as it did between 1988 and 2017, global temperatures are projected to rise by 4°C by 2100, leading to catastrophic consequences, including species extinction and food scarcity.
The Carbon Majors Database, first released in 2013, is an annual report produced by InfluenceMap that assigns responsibility for global emissions to companies extracting fossil fuels. The database has been used to sue oil companies, craft new legislation, and track emissions over time. It has also been instrumental in attributing extreme weather events and heatwaves to specific companies, holding them accountable for their emissions.
The latest update to the Carbon Majors Database in 2025 includes detailed information on coal emissions from several countries, including China, Russia, and others, previously only aggregated at the national level. This new data attributes emissions to individual companies, with state-owned entities becoming the largest emitter type in the database in 2023.
The findings underscore the critical role of fossil fuel companies in driving systemic change and the need for corporate responsibility. New York and Vermont have passed Climate Superfund laws, requiring major emitters to fund climate damage repairs and adaptation, with other states considering similar legislation.
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Fossil fuel production and cement emissions
The burning of fossil fuels and the production of cement have significantly contributed to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production have quadrupled over the past 60 years.
Fossil Fuel Production Emissions
The industrial sector is a major contributor to direct greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are burned to meet the energy demands of various industries. In 2022, 60% of electricity generation still relied on these fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas being the primary sources.
The transportation sector is the largest contributor to direct greenhouse gas emissions. Over 94% of transportation fuel is derived from petroleum, resulting in significant emissions from cars, trucks, ships, trains, and other vehicles.
According to a report by The Guardian, just 100 fossil fuel companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron, have been responsible for more than 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. These emissions have significantly contributed to climate change, and if extraction continues at the same rate, global temperatures are projected to rise by 4°C by the end of the century.
Cement Emissions
Cement production is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, accounting for approximately 2.8 billion tons of CO2 annually, or about 8% of world CO2 production. If the cement industry were a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter globally, after China and the United States.
The production of cement involves heating limestone (CaCO3) at high temperatures, which decomposes into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This chemical reaction is responsible for approximately half of the emissions from cement production. The remaining emissions arise from burning fossil fuels, such as coal or gas, to heat the kilns to the required temperatures.
The demand for cement is projected to increase, with the floor area of the world's buildings expected to double in the next 40 years. This will lead to a corresponding increase in cement production and emissions, underscoring the need for urgent decarbonization efforts in the industry.
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Fossil fuel emissions and global warming
Fossil fuel emissions are a significant contributor to global warming. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures. The average global temperature has already increased by 1°C, and warming above 1.5°C poses significant risks, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and food scarcity.
The transportation sector is the largest contributor to direct greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. The industrial sector is the third-largest source of direct emissions, with indirect emissions from electricity use further increasing its share. Commercial and residential sectors also contribute, burning fossil fuels for heat and using gases for refrigeration and cooling.
The responsibility for fossil fuel emissions lies largely with a small number of fossil fuel producers. Reports indicate that just 25 companies are responsible for over 50% of global industrial emissions since 1988. Additionally, 100 companies have been the source of more than 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions during the same period. These companies include ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron. Despite commitments to reduce carbon emissions, such as the Paris Agreement, fossil fuel companies continue to be major polluters, investing in additional production and marketing their products as clean energy.
To limit global warming to 1.5°C, global carbon emissions must decrease by 45% by 2030. Achieving this goal requires a mass transition to renewable energy sources and reducing emissions from the small number of high-emitting companies. While some companies are taking steps towards renewable energy, such as Shell and Chevron, others, like BP, still allocate the majority of their expenditure to oil and gas. The transition to renewable energy is crucial, and the continued reliance on fossil fuels poses significant risks to our planet's climate.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuel companies are huge polluters, producing and selling fossil fuel products. In 2018, 89% of global CO2 emissions came from fossil fuels and industry. A report by The Guardian found that just 100 companies have been the source of 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988.
The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, the industrial sector was the highest energy end-use sector, but the transportation sector emitted more CO2 due to its near-complete dependence on petroleum fuels.
Fossil fuels are formed from the decomposition of carbon-based organisms that died millions of years ago. They are non-renewable and currently supply around 80% of the world's energy. They are also used to make plastic, steel, and a range of other products.
Fossil fuel emissions are the dominant cause of global warming. The average global temperature has already increased by 1°C, and warming above 1.5°C risks further sea level rise, extreme weather, biodiversity loss, species extinction, food scarcity, and worsening health and poverty for millions of people worldwide.
To keep global warming below 1.5°C, global carbon emissions need to fall by 45% by 2030. This will require a mass switch to renewable energy and efficiency. While some fossil fuel companies are investing in renewable energy projects, others continue to invest in additional production and delay legislative action.
