Gas flaring is the controlled burning of natural gas that is released during oil extraction. This practice, commonly seen at oil production sites, is used to manage gas that cannot be captured or transported due to infrastructure limitations.
While historically used for safety and operational reasons, gas flaring has become a major environmental concern. It releases large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to climate change, air pollution, and public health risks.
In Iraq, gas flaring is particularly prevalent in oil-producing regions such as Basra, where valuable natural gas is often burned off instead of being utilized as a domestic energy resource. This not only harms the environment but also represents a substantial economic loss, as the flared gas could power homes, industries, and national development.
The Government of Iraq is committed to significantly reducing gas flaring as part of its broader climate and energy reforms. Through initiatives like the GCCE and regional partnerships, Iraq aims to capture and utilize this gas, improve environmental performance, and align with international goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Eliminating gas flaring is not only an environmental necessity—it is an economic and social opportunity to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all Iraqis.
