Dr Matiur Rahman

Climate change, the defining challenge of our time, has thrust the world into a state of urgency. The consequences of rising global temperatures are profound and far-reaching, impacting ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods across the planet. As efforts intensify to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, a crucial question looms large: who bears the greatest responsibility for this crisis? Delving into this inquiry requires a nuanced examination of the roles played by both nations and corporations in driving climate change.

At the forefront of the discourse on climate responsibility are nations, whose policies and actions shape the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions. Historically, industrialized countries have been the largest contributors to cumulative emissions, dating back to the onset of the Industrial Revolution. The United States, for instance, has historically been the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, stemming from its extensive reliance on fossil fuels for energy production and consumption.

Similarly, European nations have played a significant role in fueling climate change, with countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom contributing substantial emissions due to their reliance on coal and other fossil fuels. These nations, while making strides in transitioning towards renewable energy sources, continue to grapple with the legacy of their carbon-intensive development pathways.

Moreover, emerging economies such as China and India have emerged as major contributors to global emissions in recent decades, driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization. China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has undergone unprecedented economic growth fueled by coal-fired power plants and heavy industries. India, likewise, faces the dual challenge of meeting its energy needs while addressing the imperative to curb emissions.

However, attributing responsibility for climate change solely based on national emissions overlooks the role of corporations, whose activities transcend borders and wield significant influence over global carbon emissions. The fossil fuel industry, in particular, stands out as a primary driver of climate change, owing to its extraction, production, and distribution of coal, oil, and natural gas.

Oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron have long been embroiled in controversy over their contributions to climate change, fueled by revelations of their knowledge of the risks posed by fossil fuels and their efforts to undermine climate science and policy. These corporations, driven by profit motives, have continued to invest in carbon-intensive projects while downplaying the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy.

Similarly, the coal industry remains a potent force in the energy landscape of many countries, perpetuating carbon emissions and environmental degradation on a global scale. Companies like Peabody Energy and Glencore continue to operate coal mines and power plants, despite mounting pressure to phase out this highly polluting fossil fuel.

Beyond fossil fuels, other sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing also bear responsibility for climate change. Automobile manufacturers, for instance, have faced scrutiny for their production of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Agribusiness giants, meanwhile, have come under fire for practices such as deforestation and intensive livestock farming, which drive emissions and biodiversity loss.

In recent years, the concept of "carbon majors" has gained traction in the discourse on climate responsibility. Carbon majors refer to a relatively small number of corporations that have been identified as significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. These companies are characterized by their extensive involvement in the extraction, production, and distribution of fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil, and natural gas, which are primary sources of carbon dioxide emissions.

The concept of carbon majors gained prominence in the discourse on climate change following research by organizations such as the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the Climate Accountability Institute. These studies have sought to quantify the cumulative emissions attributed to specific corporations and industries since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.

Key findings from this research highlight the disproportionate responsibility of a select group of companies for the majority of global emissions. For example, a CDP report identified just 100 companies responsible for over 70% of global emissions since 1988. Among these carbon majors are multinational oil and gas companies, such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, and BP, as well as coal producers like Peabody Energy and Glencore.

The identification of carbon majors underscores the outsized influence of corporations in driving climate change and the urgency of holding them accountable for their contributions. These companies have often been criticized for their role in perpetuating a carbon-intensive energy system, despite mounting evidence of the environmental and social impacts of fossil fuel extraction and combustion.

In recent years, the concept of carbon majors has informed various strategies aimed at addressing corporate responsibility for climate change. Shareholder activism, divestment campaigns, and litigation efforts have sought to hold these companies accountable for their contributions to climate change and advocate for more sustainable business practices.

Moreover, initiatives such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) have called for greater transparency and disclosure from corporations regarding their exposure to climate-related risks. By identifying and engaging with carbon majors, stakeholders can leverage their influence to promote emission reductions, renewable energy adoption, and the transition to low-carbon business models.

Overall, the concept of carbon majors provides valuable insights into the concentration of emissions within a small subset of companies and underscores the need for concerted action to address the systemic drivers of climate change. Holding these corporations accountable for their contributions is essential in driving the transition to a sustainable and resilient global economy.

Furthermore, the intersectionality of climate change with issues of social justice and equity complicates the attribution of responsibility. While industrialized nations and corporations bear historical culpability for the bulk of emissions, it is often marginalized communities and developing countries that bear the brunt of the impacts. Vulnerable populations, including indigenous peoples, low-income communities, and small island states, are disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing minimally to emissions.

In light of these complexities, efforts to address climate change must be guided by principles of fairness and equity, recognizing the differential responsibilities and vulnerabilities of nations and corporations. The concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities" enshrined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) underscores the need for developed countries to take the lead in emissions reductions and support developing nations in their transition to sustainable development pathways.

Similarly, the principle of "polluter pays" emphasizes the accountability of corporations for the environmental and social costs of their activities. Carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems, seek to internalize the externalities of carbon emissions and incentivize emission reductions across sectors. Additionally, initiatives such as shareholder activism, divestment campaigns, and litigation efforts aim to hold corporations accountable for their contributions to climate change and advocate for responsible business practices.

The question of who bears the greatest responsibility for climate change is multifaceted and contested, reflecting the intricate interplay of historical, political, economic, and social factors. While nations and corporations both play significant roles in driving emissions, the burden of responsibility must be shared equitably, taking into account historical emissions, current contributions, and differential vulnerabilities. Moving forward, concerted action by all stakeholders is imperative to address the root causes of climate change and forge a sustainable future for generations to come.

The writer is a researcher and development worker.