Summary

Half of the world’s CO2 emissions in 2023 came from just 36 fossil fuel companies, including Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, and Shell, according to a new report.

These firms produced over 20 billion tonnes of CO2, worsening the climate crisis despite global commitments to reduce emissions.

State-owned enterprises, especially in China, also dominate the list.

The findings support legal efforts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate damage. Experts warn that continued fossil fuel expansion contradicts net-zero goals, as 2023 was the hottest year on record.