10 Key Takeaway Points:
- Energy Industry Leads in Pollution – Fossil fuels used for electricity and heat produce 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the energy sector the biggest polluter.
- Construction Worsens Air Quality – Construction sites release dust (PM10, PM2.5), NOx, and CO, contributing to 23% of global air pollution and health risks.
- Transport’s High Carbon Emissions – Road transport alone is responsible for 74.5% of transport-related CO₂ emissions, worsening city air despite stricter emission norms.
- Agriculture’s Impact on Air Pollution – Farming contributes 18% of global greenhouse gases, mainly from livestock methane and ammonia emissions, affecting air and soil quality.
- Fast Fashion’s Waste Problem – The fashion industry generates 8-10% of global CO₂ emissions and 92 million tonnes of textile waste yearly, with polyester adding to plastic pollution.
- Food Waste and Plastic Issues – Food waste causes 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions, while supermarkets alone generate 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually.
- Plastic’s Harmful Cycle – Plastics come from fossil fuels and release toxic gases during production, recycling, and burning, worsening air pollution.
- Waste Management Challenges – Landfills produce 20% of global methane emissions, a powerful greenhouse gas, while poor waste disposal pollutes air, water, and soil.
- Chemicals and Air Pollution – The chemical industry releases harmful VOCs, NOx, SO₂, and PM, leading to acid rain, smog, and serious health risks.
- Tech Industry’s Growing Impact – Data centers consumed 200-250 TWh of electricity in 2023, and cryptocurrency mining alone emits 129 million tonnes of CO₂ yearly. Oizom’s air quality monitoring solutions help businesses and industries track emissions, monitor air quality in real-time, and take data-driven steps to reduce pollution and improve sustainability.
Top 10 Most Polluting Industries in the World 2025
Pollution is taking a serious toll on our environment, affecting air quality, weather patterns, and water sources, leading to major health risks. It’s no surprise that the media, researchers, and even governments are paying close attention. And when governments step in, you know things are getting serious.
Over the past decade, climate change has become a global concern, pushing policymakers to take action. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses that cutting carbon emissions is crucial to avoiding the worst environmental disasters. But where do we start?
One of the fastest ways to reduce pollution is by tackling the industries causing the most harm. While air pollution is a big concern, pollution comes in many forms, making it tricky to pinpoint the worst offenders.
In this blog, we break down some of the world’s most polluting industries, from fossil fuels and energy to the often-overlooked impact of fashion and technology. More importantly, we’ll explore what’s being done to fix them. Let’s dive in!
How did we arrive at this list of top Polluting Industries?
Creating a clear ranking of the top polluting sectors requires extensive study and analysis of numerous environmental parameters. In creating this list, we concentrated on companies. Being ranked as the most polluting signifies that a particular industry or sector is prominent in contributing to air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation. The research was based on the most recent scientific studies and environmental data from respectable organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization. We also assessed these industries’ global reach and impact, acknowledging that pollution is a global problem rather than a local one. The cumulative environmental footprint, from resource extraction to end-of-life disposal, was essential in determining each industry’s ranking.
Top 10 polluting industries in the World
There is no standard approach for determining the most polluting companies. As a result, we analyzed the five major types of pollution affecting the world: water, air, light, soil, and noise pollution. Visual pollution from your neighbours’ poor landscaping choices was not considered. While all types of pollution are harmful, there is little doubt that air and water pollution are the most damaging to our physical health. However, this blog will talk only about air pollution emissions from various industries. Therefore, the industrial pollution highlighted below focuses on this catastrophic type of pollution: air. This industry not only affected the nearby area but had a significant impact on the urban area as well. “How these industries contributed to a global issue by worsening the air quality of the various cities, which created the world’s top 10 most polluted cities list.
In fact, in 2021 alone, air pollution contributed to more than 8.7 million deaths, while water pollution contributed to 1.5 million child deaths and continues to threaten sea life on a global scale.
1.) Fuel & Energy Industry - 75% of Global GHG Emissions
Unsurprisingly, the energy industry tops the list of most polluting sectors. Energy production continues to rank highest in pollution. Roughly 75% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are caused by burning fossil fuels to generate heat and electricity. In many nations, coal-fired power stations continue to operate, emitting carbon dioxide and other hazardous pollutants despite the expansion of renewable energy. Moreover, energy in residential and commercial buildings provides heating, cooling, and power. The global energy (and electricity) mix is typically made from nuclear, renewable, or fossil fuels.
Another significant contributor to pollution and climate change is the production of energy in thermal power plants. Buildings accounted for a sizable portion of the 64% of the world’s power mix that came from thermal power generation in 2021. Massive volumes of CO2, nitrogen oxides, and other dangerous pollutants are released by thermal power plants. These power facilities also damage a lot of land and water. Were you aware of this? Burning fossil fuels accounts for about 34 billion tonnes of GHG emissions each year.
For instance, fluctuations in water temperature caused by wastewater discharge into streams disturb ecosystems. Additionally, toxic waste components harm plant growth or destroy aquatic life.
2.) Construction Industry - 23% of Global Air Pollution
One important but frequently disregarded factor contributing to India’s declining air quality is the construction industry. Examining the connection between air pollution and construction. We live in an age where the expansion of cities and the construction of infrastructure are synonymous with progress. Construction and demolition activities worsen air quality in three key ways:
- Dust Pollution: Machinery movement, demolition, and material handling release fine dust (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), posing health risks, especially to vulnerable groups.
- Machinery Emissions: Construction equipment emits dust, noise, and harmful gases like NOx and CO.
- Material Transport: Moving and handling construction materials further increases dust and air pollution.
- Minimizing dust control measures and using low-emission equipment can help reduce the impact.
Did you know this? According to new research by construction blog Bimhow, the construction sector contributes to 23% of air pollution, 50% of the climatic change, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill wastes. In separate research by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the construction industry accounts for 40% of worldwide energy usage, with estimations that by 2030 emissions from commercial buildings will grow by 1.8%.
If you live in a city, sometimes it’s easy to forget that construction work isn’t part of natural life. This industry contributes to almost all types of pollution – air, water, soil, light, and we’re all familiar with the noise pollution it creates – and it’s happening almost everywhere worldwide. Buildings are projected to release approximately 40% of global emissions after accounting for the extraction and transportation of building materials, construction processes, and day-to-day activities. To help the construction industry achieve net-zero emissions, it is critical to investigate options such as using more sustainable materials and practices, increasing energy efficiency, offsetting residual emissions, and monitoring air quality levels at construction sites with automated dust suppression techniques can be more effective.
3.) Transport Industry - 74.5% of Transport CO₂ Emissions from Road Vehicles
This industry, which includes road, air, and marine transport, is a major source of air pollution and CO2 emissions, significantly contributing to climate change. Transport emissions account for around one-fifth of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which can be broken down into four categories: road, aviation, shipping, and rail. The world has become smaller, primarily due to the affordability and availability of flights – the number of flights has increased by 40% since 2010. But does this make the aeroplane the bad guy here?
Surprisingly, no!
Despite being much more carbon-intensive than road travel, aviation only accounts for 11.6% of passenger transportation emissions. On the other hand, road transport contributes to 74.5% of all CO2 emissions in the transport industry. Did you want “Solutions for improving air quality on roads and highways in the transport industry by monitoring how much the transport industry emits pollutants?
Let’s talk about road transport:
India’s roads are full of vehicles, cars, bikes, buses, and trucks that make our lives easier. But these vehicles come with a hidden cost: air pollution. Did you know transportation is a major source of air pollution in India? This pollution affects not only the environment but also our health, causing issues like asthma and heart problems.
- Health Risks: Vehicle emissions release harmful pollutants like NOx and PM, which can cause asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and even premature death. Children and the elderly are most at risk.
- Environmental Damage: Vehicular pollution leads to smog, reduces visibility, and harms ecosystems. Greenhouse gases like CO₂ accelerate climate change, affecting weather patterns.
- Challenges in Control: Despite emission norms like Bharat Stage standards, enforcement remains a challenge. Limited awareness and infrastructure for EVs make it harder to curb pollution.
4.) Agriculture & Food Production - 18% of Global Emissions
According to the IPCC’s Special Report on Climate Change and Land, agriculture is directly responsible for up to 8.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with land-use change accounting for an additional 14.5%. Agriculture uses a huge share of the world’s natural resources, and about 70% of all freshwater goes into farming. It also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, making up around 18% of the total. A major part of this comes from livestock, which releases methane and nitrous oxide. On top of that, clearing forests and land for farming adds to environmental damage in other ways.
Want to dive deeper into how Oizom’s air quality monitoring system can help manage odor pollution in livestock framing? Then, read the case study here.
Agriculture has the greatest impact on air pollution in terms of ammonia emissions. Emissions from livestock manure and chemicals comprise 95% of ammonia emissions, which in turn account for 58% of the particulate matter air pollution in European cities.
Monocropping makes soil more vulnerable to erosion, and when combined with extreme weather, it can lead to desertification. Large-scale industries like palm oil plantations and mining also play a big role in deforestation. This damages the land, harms wildlife, and releases massive amounts of CO₂ into the air at an alarming rate.
- An Oxford University study published in the journal Climatic Change suggested that meat-eaters are responsible for almost twice as many dietary GHG emissions as vegetarians – and about two and a half times as many as vegans.
- The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest grabbed people’s attention around the globe in early 2022. In the first 29 days of April, deforestation in the region totaled 1,012.5 square km (390 square miles) – nearly doubling the area of forest removed in that month last year.
5.) Fashion Industry (Fast Fashion)
The fashion industry is a significant contributor to global environmental degradation, with fast fashion exacerbating its ecological footprint. Accounting for an estimated 8-10% of global carbon emissions, surpassing international flights and maritime shipping, the industry’s impact is projected to rise by 50% by 2030 if unsustainable practices persist.
Fast fashion operates on a high-turnover model, producing low-cost, low-quality garments that are frequently discarded. This practice results in approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, with 85% of textiles ending up in landfills or incinerated. In the UK alone, 350,000 tonnes of clothing waste are landfilled yearly, while the average American discards 37 kg of clothing annually. Despite efforts to promote recycling, less than 1% of textiles are repurposed into new garments.
Moreover, the industry is a major polluter of freshwater resources. Textile dyeing and finishing processes contribute to 20% of global clean water pollution, and synthetic fabrics release millions of microplastics into aquatic ecosystems with every wash. Additionally, the sector consumes approximately 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, further straining global freshwater reserves.
To mitigate its impact, the industry must adopt circular economy models, enhance supply chain transparency, and prioritize sustainable materials. Researchers and environmentalists play a critical role in driving innovation and advocating for systemic change within this highly polluting sector.
How can clothes be so environmentally destructive? It boils down to five key reasons:
- Cheap Materials: Fast fashion manufactures its clothing with low-quality fabrics and poisonous colors, making it one of the leading pollutants of pure water. Polyester is also one of the most popular fabrics in this business. It is produced using fossil fuels and can shed microplastics into the water system when washed.
- Manufacturing locations: To keep production prices down, fast fashion firms choose to make their products in factories in Asian countries, which are generally powered by coal and gas.
- Water Consumption: The fashion sector is predicted to need 93 billion cubic meters of water per year. Even natural textiles might be an issue in the rapid fashion sector. For example, you’d need around 3,000 gallons of water to manufacture a single cotton garment. Using this much water increases the drought probability, significantly straining local populations.
- Transportation: Many fast fashion brands operate online, which means we have to take the delivery into account as well. For example, the combined annual emissions of postal services in the US, such as FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service, are roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 7 million cars. Some estimates show that shipping accounts for 2.5% of the world’s total CO2e, estimated to rise to as high as 17% by 2050!
- Waste: Fast fashion has led to a rise in the high turnover of clothes. Keeping up with fashion trends means that 85% of textiles go to the dump yearly. Once people are done with the season’s best clothes, they’re onto the next.
6.) Food Retail
Food production goes beyond farming; it includes transportation, packaging, retail, cooking, and waste. As the global population grows, so does the demand for food, leading to serious environmental issues.
- Food Waste Crisis: The UK wastes a staggering 1.9 million tonnes of food yearly, more than ever before.
- Plastic Pollution from Retail: Retailers alone generate around 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, enough to cover Greater London in plastic 2.5cm deep.
It comprises the activities of markets, supermarkets, and restaurants selling food to consumers; most of this sector’s emissions are from food and plastic waste. It is estimated that food waste alone accounts for 8 to 10% of worldwide GHG emissions. The EU wastes 57 million tonnes of food annually, equivalent to 127 kg per person! Programmes that collect leftover food from supermarkets and restaurants and offer it free or at a discount are an excellent method to cut emissions. For example, France passed legislation 2016 prohibiting stores from throwing away food. Instead, they must donate leftovers to organizations, distributing them to those in need.
According to the EPA, the average grocery store emits 1,383 metric tonnes of CO2e per year from energy consumption alone and another 1,556 metric tonnes of CO2e from leaked refrigerants. Refrigeration is the most energy-intensive part of a supermarket, accounting for 50-60% of the electricity consumption – most of which will be produced by fossil fuels.
7.) Plastics Manufacturing
Plastic and Its Impact on Air Quality
Plastics come from fossil fuels like oil and gas, which release harmful pollutants during extraction. Drilling emits toxic chemicals like benzene, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, contributing to air pollution.
- Recycling Challenges: Recycling helps reduce plastic waste, but if not done properly, it can still harm the environment and workers.
- Burning Plastic = Toxic Air: Since plastic takes a long time to break down, much of it is burned, releasing heavy metals and toxic pollutants into the air.
- What Can We Do?: Until we have better alternatives, the best solution is to reduce plastic use and keep it out of landfills and oceans.
As for packaging emissions, research suggests that 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste a year come from UK food retailers alone – enough waste to cover the whole of Greater London to a depth of 2.5 cm.
8.) Waste Management and Disposal - Landfills Cause 20% of Methane Emissions
Inadequate waste management and disposal lead to landfill overuse, soil and water contamination, and air pollution, particularly in developing regions. New waste management techniques such as anaerobic digestion and biodegradation convert waste into bioenergy as liquid or gas biofuels.
It’s also important to replace plastic and heavy-emitting materials with wood, paper-based packaging, or aluminum for metal products. These materials can biodegrade faster, are easily recyclable, and come from renewable sources (as long as the forests are managed sustainably). Alternative packaging can also derive from sources such as seaweed.
Did you know this? Landfills are responsible for 20% of the methane released globally, a greenhouse gas (GHG) up to 80 times more potent than CO₂ in the short term.
9.) Chemical Manufacturing - Major VOC, NOx, SO₂ Pollutant
Chemical manufacturing industries are known for emitting air pollutants with significant environmental and health impacts. Key pollutants include:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are emitted during the production and use of solvents, paints, and other chemicals. VOCs contribute to ground-level ozone and smog formation, posing risks to respiratory health.
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Generated during high-temperature combustion processes, NOx gases are precursors to ozone and particulate matter, aggravating respiratory conditions and contributing to acid rain.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Released from the burning of fossil fuels containing sulfur, SO2 can lead to acid rain, which harms ecosystems and corrodes buildings.
- Particulate Matter (PM): These tiny particles can arise from chemical reactions and combustion. PM is a significant concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Want to know how the Grasim Chemical Plant in Gujarat monitors air quality to protect workers’ health and meet environmental regulations? Then, you can read our case study.
10.) Technology - 200-250 TWh Electricity Use in 2023
The rising demand for electronic devices and data centers is driving up energy use and waste, making technology one of the fastest-growing sources of pollution. Our advancements in tech have helped revolutionize renewable energy and other green appliances. But the fact is our technology, including phones, transport, work, and entertainment, all require a lot of energy.
Technology has boosted renewable energy and eco-friendly solutions, but it also powers everything we use daily, such as phones, transport, work, and entertainment, driving up energy consumption. Turning off standby TVs and lights a decade ago seemed enough to help the planet. Today, with technology everywhere, we need to do much more to make a real impact.
Data centers power the digital world but use massive amounts of electricity. In 2023, they consumed around 200-250 TWh, making up 1-1.3% of global electricity demand.
- Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta saw their energy use more than double from 2017 to 2021, reaching 72 TWh. While energy efficiency is improving, the growing demand for AI, 5G, virtual reality, and blockchain keeps pushing data center energy use higher.
Digital currencies, such as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, rapidly increase global emissions. Just how bad is cryptocurrency for the environment? It emits 129 million tonnes of CO2 per year – more than Qatar’s carbon footprint – and uses more electricity than Egypt, a country of 102 million people.
Conclusion
There you have it, the top industries driving pollution. Fixing this problem won’t be easy, but progress is already happening. Electric vehicles are on the rise, tech companies are switching to renewable energy, and sustainable choices like plant-based diets and plastic-free shopping are gaining momentum.
Industries need to step up, and solutions like the Oizom Air Quality Monitoring System, at the forefront of this paradigm shift, provide comprehensive solutions that allow industries to monitor, assess, and act on various industrial parameters. The path to industrial sustainability becomes clearer with real-time accurate data, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to a greener future. Use Oizom’s air quality monitors to track and improve air quality with real-time data.
It might feel very doom and gloom right now, but there is hope and change is possible. – we just need to continue pushing for change.
