CSIRO research shows a handful of corporations influence the future of the world.

Transnational corporations in agriculture, forestry, seafood, cement, minerals and fossil energy have huge impacts on the environment.

For example, just 10 per cent of the world's corporations generate 80 per cent of all profits globally, and around 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to just 100 coal, oil and gas companies worldwide.

According to CSIRO researchers, big corporations need to start taking responsibility for these huge impacts, and if this is combined with effective public policies and improved government regulations, it could speed up the quest to save the planet.

The science agency’s new report on the issue is accessible here.