Around 80% of all global CO2 emissions can be linked to 57 companies, new research by InfluenceMap has shown.

The data shows most fossil fuel companies produced more fossil fuels in the seven years after the Paris Agreement than in the seven years prior to the agreement’s inception.

InfluenceMap’s report used the Carbon Majors database to quantify the contribution of the world’s largest oil, gas, coal and cement producers to global carbon emissions – the primary driver of climate change.

It shows that since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, CO2 emissions produced can be traced to a small group of high emitters.

Nation-state producers account for 38% of all emissions, while state-owned entities account for 38% of emissions. Investor-owned companies account for 25%.

The top emitting state-owned companies include Russia’s Gazprom, Coal India, the National Iranian Oil Company, Saudi Aramco, the China National Petroleum Corporation and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

Meanwhile, the top five investor-owned companies consist of Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, and ConocoPhillips, which are responsible for 11.1% of historical fossil fuel and cement CO2 emissions.

“The Carbon Majors database is a key tool in attributing responsibility for climate change to the fossil fuel producers with the most significant role in driving global CO2 emissions," InfluenceMap program manager, Daan Van Acker said.

"InfluenceMap’s new analysis shows that this group is not slowing down production, with most entities increasing production after the Paris Agreement.

“This research provides a crucial link in holding these energy giants to account on the consequences of their activities.”

Stand.earth international program director, Tzeporah Berman added: "The Carbon Majors research shows us exactly who is responsible for the lethal heat, extreme weather, and air pollution that is threatening lives and wreaking havoc on our oceans and forests.

“These companies have made billions of dollars in profits while denying the problem and delaying and obstructing climate policy. They are spending millions on advertising campaigns about being part of a sustainable solution, all the while continuing to invest in more fossil fuel extraction.

“These findings emphasize that, more than ever, we need our governments to stand up to these companies, and we need new international cooperation through a Fossil Fuel Treaty to end the expansion of fossil fuels and ensure a truly just transition."

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