Gas flaring created 389m tonnes of carbon pollution last year, report finds – The Guardian

Report on Global Gas Flaring and its Contradiction to Sustainable Development Goals

Key Findings: A Setback for Climate Action (SDG 13) and Energy Security (SDG 7)

A World Bank report has identified a significant increase in global gas flaring, a practice that directly undermines progress toward multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

• In 2024, the fossil fuel industry flared 151 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas, an increase of 3 bcm from the previous year and the highest volume recorded since 2007.
• This activity released an additional 389 million tonnes of carbon pollution into the atmosphere, an amount comparable to the annual emissions of France.
• The practice is described as a “missed opportunity to strengthen energy security and improve access to reliable power,” directly conflicting with the objectives of SDG 7.

Economic and Production Inefficiencies versus SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

The persistence of gas flaring highlights severe inefficiencies in production patterns, running counter to the principles of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The practice is often a cost-saving measure for companies that find it cheaper to burn excess gas than to capture and market it.

• This “egregious waste of resources” is also catastrophic for human health, impacting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• The economic value of the gas flared in 2024 is estimated at $63 billion, a sum that is more than half the upfront investment the International Energy Agency estimates is needed to eliminate non-emergency flaring globally.
• Despite global efforts, the intensity of flaring—the volume flared per barrel of oil produced—has remained “stubbornly high” for 15 years, indicating a systemic failure in achieving responsible production.

Major Contributors and Disparities in Flaring Intensity

The report identifies a concentration of flaring activity in a small number of nations, with nine countries accounting for three-quarters of all global flaring in 2024.

1. Russia
2. Iran
3. Iraq
4. United States
5. Venezuela
6. Algeria
7. Libya
8. Mexico
9. Nigeria

Significant disparities in operational standards exist. Flaring intensity in the United States is 18 times higher than in Norway, and Venezuela’s is 228 times higher, demonstrating that cleaner production methods are available but not universally adopted.

Pathways Forward: The Role of Governance (SDG 16) and Partnerships (SDG 17)

Addressing the challenge of gas flaring requires a concerted effort centered on strong governance and global cooperation, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Experts state that solutions are well-known and cost-effective, but progress is hindered by a lack of political will and regulatory pressure.
• The World Bank’s “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030” initiative exemplifies a partnership-based approach (SDG 17). Countries endorsing this initiative have, on average, reduced their flaring intensity by 12% since 2012.
• In contrast, countries not participating in the initiative have seen their flaring intensity increase by 25%.
• Successful reduction requires upfront investment, adequate infrastructure, strong regulatory frameworks, and sustained political will.

Case Studies in Progress: Achieving SDG Targets

Several countries have demonstrated that significant reductions in gas flaring are achievable, providing a model for progress on SDGs 7, 12, and 13.

• Nations such as Angola, Egypt, and Indonesia have successfully reduced flaring volumes.
• Kazakhstan has achieved a 71% reduction in flaring since 2012 by implementing steep fines for non-compliance, a clear application of strong institutional control as advocated by SDG 16.
• These successes show that with the right conditions, countries can cut flaring while unlocking new revenue sources and improving energy access, thereby advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • The article highlights that reducing gas flaring is a “missed opportunity to strengthen energy security and improve access to reliable power.” This directly connects to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy for all. The waste of a valuable energy resource is a central theme.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • The practice of gas flaring is described as an “enormous waste” and “needlessly wasteful.” This points to unsustainable production patterns in the fossil fuel industry. The article calls for more responsible practices, mentioning that the intensity of flaring has remained “stubbornly high” and that solutions are available but lack “political will and regulatory pressure.”

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • The primary impact of gas flaring discussed is environmental. The article states that the practice “pumped an extra 389m tonnes of carbon pollution into the atmosphere last year” and that it “heats the planet.” This directly addresses the urgent need to combat climate change and its impacts.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • The article explicitly mentions that high levels of flaring are “catastrophic for… human health.” This links the air pollution resulting from burning gas to adverse health outcomes, connecting the issue to the goal of ensuring healthy lives.

Specific Targets Identified

1. Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

   • The article implies this target by stating that capturing the flared gas could “improve access to reliable power.” The waste of 151 billion cubic meters of gas, which could otherwise be used to generate electricity, is a direct barrier to achieving this target.

2. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

   • This target is central to the article’s argument. Gas flaring is presented as the opposite of efficient resource use, described as an “egregious waste of resources.” The article notes the flared gas was worth about $63 billion, underscoring the inefficiency.

3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   • The article points to a lack of “strong regulatory frameworks” and “political will” as reasons for continued flaring. It highlights Kazakhstan as a success story, which “levied steep fines on companies that break the rules,” demonstrating the integration of climate-related measures into national policy. The call for “regulatory pressure” reinforces this connection.

4. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

   • The link is made when an expert is quoted saying that flaring is “catastrophic for… human health.” The release of “389m tonnes of carbon pollution” and other gases like methane directly contributes to air pollution, which this target aims to reduce.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Volume of gas flared annually

   • The article explicitly provides this data: “151bn cubic metres (bcm) of gas were burned during oil and gas production in 2024.” This serves as a direct indicator of the scale of the problem.

2. Flaring intensity

   • The report defines and uses this indicator, stating it is “the volume flared per barrel of oil produced.” It provides comparative data, noting flaring intensity in Norway is “18 times lower than in the US, and 228 times lower than in Venezuela.” This measures the efficiency of production.

3. Greenhouse gas emissions from flaring

   • The article quantifies this impact, stating that flaring “pumped an extra 389m tonnes of carbon pollution into the atmosphere last year.” This is a key indicator for climate impact.

4. Number of countries and companies committed to reduction initiatives

   • The article mentions the “World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative” and implicitly uses the number of signatories as an indicator of progress, noting that countries endorsing the initiative have, on average, “reduced their flaring intensity by 12% since 2012.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: theguardian.com