When discussing responsibility for mitigating climate change, it’s clear that everyone has a role, from governments and large corporations to individuals.
However, accountability is not evenly distributed.
Governments, particularly those in high-emitting countries, and corporations responsible for large shares of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions carry the greatest responsibility.
Data from the InfluenceMap Carbon Majors Database shows that state-owned companies accounted for 52% of global emissions in 2023. Just 36 oil, gas, coal, and cement producers were responsible for more than half of fossil fuel-related CO₂ emissions worldwide. Chinese companies alone contributed 23% of these emissions, making China the largest emitter globally.
As the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations, reducing emissions must start with the largest contributors.
Placing accountability where it matters
The Climate Accountability Institute emphasizes the importance of holding major polluters accountable, not only to reduce emissions but also to leverage their resources, expertise, and capital to support the transition to a low- or zero-carbon future.
Many of these companies argue that they are simply meeting global demand for fossil fuels. However, they also invest heavily in lobbying governments and shaping public perception by promoting their environmental credentials.
Experts agree that governments are best positioned to drive large-scale climate action. Through policy and regulation, they can influence industries, reshape markets, and significantly reduce emissions across entire sectors.
How policy shapes individual choices
Individual behaviors, such as how we travel, eat, shop, and heat our homes, are often shaped by systems beyond our control.
For example, people cannot choose public transportation if reliable transit systems are unavailable. Similarly, access to sustainable products depends on availability and affordability in local markets.
Government policies play a crucial role in shaping these systems. When climate-friendly policies are implemented, they make sustainable choices more accessible and convenient for individuals.
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) outlines several key policy tools governments can use to combat climate change:
- Carbon taxes: Fees on high-emission industries such as coal and cement, with revenues reinvested in clean energy
- Clean energy standards: Regulations requiring utilities to generate electricity from low-emission sources like wind and solar
- Climate Adaptation policies: Investments in resilient infrastructure, emergency planning, and disaster preparedness
- Technology investments: Funding research and development in renewable energy, carbon capture, nuclear power, and nature-based solutions
These policies not only reduce emissions but also create an environment where sustainable behaviors become the default.
The role of individuals in climate action
While governments and corporations hold the greatest influence, individual actions still matter.
According to the People’s Climate Vote 2024 by World Resources Institute (WRI), 80% of people worldwide want stronger government action on climate change, and more than half think about climate issues regularly.
The report also highlights that targeted individual actions, when adopted at scale, can significantly reduce emissions. However, many high-impact actions, such as living car-free or installing renewable energy systems, are not accessible to everyone.
A shared responsibility for a global challenge
Addressing climate change requires collective effort, but not equal responsibility.
Systemic change must be led by governments and major emitters, supported by policies that make sustainable choices practical and affordable.
At the same time, individuals play a supporting role by adopting climate-conscious behaviors where possible.
Ultimately, meaningful progress depends on aligning policy, corporate accountability, and individual action to create a future where sustainable living is not just an option, but the norm.
Sources:
How Do Governments Combat Climate Change? (2023, July 25). CFR Education. Retrieved from https://education.cfr.org/learn/reading/how-do-governments-combat-climate-change
Levermann, A. (2019, July 10). Individuals can’t solve the climate crisis. Governments need to step up. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/10/individuals-climate-crisis-government-planet-priority
Byrne, D. (2025). The 20 most polluting companies in the world. Corporate Governance Institute. Retrieved from https://www.thecorporategovernanceinstitute.com/insights/news-analysis/the-20-most-polluting-companies-in-the-world-esg/
Hernandez, M., & Composto, J. (2025, October 9). 19 Ways to Help the Climate, Ranked. World Resources Institute. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/insights/climate-friendly-choices-ranked
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