Un vehement discharge of carbon dioxide, amounting to 389 million tonnes, occurred due to gas flaring in the year 2024, as per a recent report.

In 2024, the world witnessed a concerning resurgence in global gas flaring, with nine nations - Russia, Iran, Iraq, the United States, Venezuela, Algeria, Libya, Mexico, and Nigeria - contributing significantly to this environmental issue. This alarming trend, which saw a 3 billion cubic meter increase from the previous year, marked the highest level of gas flaring since 2007.

The fossil fuel industry released an additional 389 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere due to gas flaring, a practice that involves burning off excess gases during oil production. This enormous waste of resources not only contributes to climate change but also represents a substantial economic loss.

The estimated $63 billion in gas burned in 2024 at EU import prices underscores the economic impact of gas flaring. Despite the availability of cost-effective alternatives, countries continue to flare, largely due to the lack of sufficient infrastructure and economic incentives to capture the gas.

Zubin Bamji, GFMR Manager, emphasised that nations can reduce emissions, open up new revenue streams, and enhance energy access by investing in sufficient infrastructure. Andrew Baxter from the Environmental Defense Fund expressed disappointment at the return to 2007 flaring levels, terming it "deeply disappointing."

However, not all is bleak. The Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative, run by the World Bank, has seen endorsing countries achieve a 12% reduction in flaring intensity since its inception in 2012. Kazakhstan, for instance, has implemented severe penalties for flaring and has seen an impressive 71% reduction in flaring levels since 2012.

Norway's flaring intensity is significantly lower than that of many other countries. In 2024, Norway's flaring intensity was 228 times lower than Venezuela's and 18 times lower than the U.S. Three-quarters of the world's flaring occurred in nine nations, primarily from state-owned oil companies.

Experts like Jonathan Banks of the Clean Air Task Force call for increased international coordination and regulatory pressure to help high-flaring, lower-income countries overcome governance and infrastructural obstacles. As we strive towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to address issues like gas flaring and promote investment in infrastructure that can reduce emissions, open up new revenue streams, and enhance energy access.

Sarah Tancredi, an experienced journalist and news reporter specialising in environmental and climate crisis issues, continues to inform the public and promote sustainable solutions. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and taking action in the face of environmental challenges.

Un vehement discharge of carbon dioxide, amounting to 389 million tonnes, occurred due to gas flaring in the year 2024, as per a recent report.