Just 32 fossil fuel giants produced half of global co2 emissions in 2024, new study reveals

A striking new report has revealed that just 32 fossil fuel companies were responsible for producing half of all global carbon dioxide emissions in 2024, highlighting the outsized role of major energy corporations in driving climate change. This represents a slight consolidation from the previous year, when 36 companies held the same dubious distinction.

The study identifies Saudi Aramco as the world’s largest state-controlled carbon polluter, while ExxonMobil topped the list among investor-owned companies. This concentration of emissions among a relatively small number of firms underscores how a handful of major players continue to shape the trajectory of global climate impacts through their operations and production decisions.

Environmental critics have sharply condemned these leading fossil fuel companies, accusing them of actively “sabotaging climate action” and positioning themselves “on the wrong side of history” as the world grapples with increasingly severe climate impacts. The accusations reflect growing frustration with the industry’s continued expansion of fossil fuel production despite mounting scientific evidence about the urgent need for emissions reductions.

However, advocates note a silver lining: this detailed emissions tracking data is proving increasingly valuable as a tool for holding companies accountable. The precise attribution of emissions to specific corporations is enabling more targeted advocacy campaigns, shareholder pressure, and potentially legal action. As climate accountability measures gain momentum globally, this type of comprehensive emissions data may become crucial for driving corporate behavior change and supporting climate litigation efforts.