Carbon Footprints | The Real Dilemma

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: corporate carbon emissions and the undeniable role of fossil fuel giants in shaping our climate crisis. Did you know that since 1988, just 10 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions? Names like Saudi Aramco, Gazprom, and ExxonMobil lead the list, with billions of tons of CO2-equivalent emissions between them. I don’t know about you. But, our leaders, who we elect should lead, not corporations.

Why is this important? Because these companies are driving the narrative behind climate change. While we’re encouraged to focus on personal carbon footprints—like taking fewer flights or reducing meat consumption—the fact is, the sheer scale of emissions from these corporate behemoths overshadows individual actions. So, who is really holding the reins in this climate catastrophe?

Who First Addressed Fossil Fuels?

What about our political leaders? Have they truly acknowledged the role fossil fuels play in accelerating climate change? The short answer is yes, but this recognition didn’t start with today’s popular faces. Leaders like Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, were among the first to raise the alarm. Back in 1987, she chaired the Brundtland Commission, which coined the term sustainable development and directly linked fossil fuel consumption to environmental degradation. Her leadership played a crucial role in framing the global conversation about the impact of industries on climate change.

Similarly, James Hansen, a NASA climate scientist, testified before the U.S. Congress in 1988, providing undeniable evidence that burning fossil fuels was leading to global warming. His scientific testimony pushed U.S. policymakers to take climate issues seriously for the first time. Yet, even after these early warnings, political action was slow.

Leaders like Angela Merkel, then Germany’s Environment Minister in the 1990s, were also key in recognizing the need for renewable energy and stricter regulations on fossil fuel consumption. Merkel, later as Chancellor, pioneered Germany’s Energiewende—a transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. But even then, the influence of fossil fuel industries loomed large, and the pace of change was slow.

Are They Doing Enough?
Despite these early champions of climate action, the question remains: are today’s political leaders truly doing enough? Sure, there’s rhetoric, but how many concrete policies are being enforced to hold these fossil fuel giants accountable?

There’s a stark contrast in views. While some leaders talk about fossil fuels as the prime driver of emissions, others cite economic and demographic growth as the main factors. The debate is complex, but one thing remains clear—fossil fuels aren’t going anywhere without serious intervention.

I Tend To Think They Are Not.
Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, for example. Under his leadership, the company dismissed climate-related lawsuits as “political issues” to avoid accountability, like the 2008 Kivalina case. Now, Exxon is suing its own shareholders for demanding stronger climate action, showing a clear lack of integrity. While some businesses have shifted focus to a “greener tomorrow,” I ask: Is what they’re advocating for really benefiting the world, or are they profiting off the fear they help create?

Policy Levers: What’s Being Done (and What’s Not)
There are policy tools on the table to reduce fossil fuel consumption: carbon pricing, subsidy reform, funding for R&D in green technology, and tax credits for renewable energy. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is one example of a successful attempt to make renewables more competitive, but there’s much more to be done globally. While some governments are phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, are they redirecting those funds where they matter most?

A Question of Priorities
Now, here’s where things get even more interesting. If we know corporations are driving the majority of emissions, why aren’t global initiatives like the World Economic Forum (WEF) aggressively targeting these businesses? They talk about sustainability, the 2030 Agenda, and a greener future, but where’s the accountability for the very companies their members often benefit from? It raises a critical question: Is this all just lip service?

Take Jeff Bezos, for example. He’s positioned himself as a leader in green energy initiatives, but behind the scenes, he’s reportedly lobbied for oil executives. Why? It makes you wonder how deeply these corporate interests are woven into the political landscape, and whether we can truly trust the messaging coming from those with such entanglements.

Celebrity Hypocrisy
If that wasn’t enough, let’s throw some celebrity names into the mix. We hear stars like Travis Scott and Beyoncé endorsing environmental causes, yet their private jets emit millions of pounds of carbon dioxide annually. How can we expect systemic change when those in the public eye are setting such contradictory examples?

Who’s Really to Blame?
At the end of the day, the conversation comes full circle: why should we put all the responsibility on individual action when corporations and wealthy elites are contributing far more to the problem? Shouldn’t we question whether the celebrities and politicians we look up to are actually part of the solution—or the problem?

The information is all out there, so I encourage you to dig deeper, ask the tough questions, and demand accountability from those in power. Look into the reports, follow the money, and ask yourself: are we focusing on the right issues, or are we being distracted by a narrative designed to keep the biggest players off the hook? What’s your take on this?

I rend to be on the fence about global warming, especially when the narrative seems inconsistent. We’re constantly told to reduce our carbon footprint, while the very corporations and political leaders urging this message continue to profit from fossil fuels and environmental degradation. How are we supposed to trust the system when the same people pushing climate agendas seem to be living in direct contradiction?

Yes, we need to take care of our planet—it’s common sense to protect our environment for future generations. But at what point do we push back against this hypocrisy? These corporations and leaders profit off our backs and continue to suppress our voices and take advantage of people at their lowest, while contradicting the actions they lobby for to protect themselves from higher taxes. They use loopholes in the system to protect their wealth, and the truth is, we could be doing the same.