Gas flaring in the Middle East region, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is causing widespread air pollution, endangering the health of millions of people. A recent investigation by the BBC has revealed that toxic pollutants released during gas flaring are spreading hundreds of miles, deteriorating the air quality in the entire region. This comes as a concern as the UAE is hosting the UN’s COP28 climate summit, raising questions about the country’s commitment to tackling environmental issues.
Despite the UAE banning flaring 20 years ago, satellite images show that it is still taking place at offshore sites managed by oil companies such as BP and Shell. The research conducted by BBC Arabic indicates that the pollutants emitted during flaring, including PM2.5, Ozone, NO2, and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), can lead to serious health conditions such as strokes, cancer, asthma, and heart disease. These pollutants also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
The study reveals that the pollution from flares in Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait is spreading to neighbouring countries, including the UAE. The UAE, being one of the largest oil sources for the UK market, raises concerns about how their oil and gas deals may affect global efforts to combat climate change.
The impact of this toxic air pollution is profound, particularly on vulnerable populations such as children. Studies have shown that children exposed to elevated levels of PM2.5 are more likely to develop asthma and wheezing. Respiratory diseases are already a leading cause of death in the Middle East, and the asthma rates in the UAE are among the highest in the world.
The research also highlights the complex ownership structures of oil fields in Iraq and Kuwait, allowing international oil companies to evade responsibility for their emissions. BP, for example, operates in the Rumaila oil field in Iraq, which is one of the largest single sources of flaring in the world. The company reported a profit of £53m last year from its operations in Kuwait. While BP claims to actively support efforts to reduce flaring, the overall levels of flaring have remained steady or increased at some fields.
There are alternatives to gas flaring, such as capturing the gas and using it for electricity generation or heating homes. However, the initial costs of implementing these technologies are high. The World Bank estimates that globally it would cost $100 billion to capture and utilize the gas. On the other hand, if the gas is captured and sold, it could generate $16 billion annually.
It is crucial for governments, oil companies, and international organizations to take immediate action to address these issues. Stricter regulations and enforcement are needed to eliminate gas flaring and reduce air pollution in the Middle East region. International cooperation and support are necessary to ensure the adoption of cleaner technologies and the transition to sustainable energy sources. The health and well-being of millions of people depend on these efforts to combat air pollution and mitigate climate change.
