Toxic Gas Putting Millions at Risk in Middle East
Toxic pollutants released during gas flaring are endangering millions more people than previously feared, a BBC investigation suggests. Flaring, the burning of waste gas during oil drilling, is taking place across the Gulf, including by COP28 hosts the United Arab Emirates.
New research reveals that pollution from gas flaring is spreading hundreds of miles, worsening air quality across the entire Middle East region. Despite banning routine flaring 20 years ago, satellite images show that the UAE continues this practice, disregarding the potential health consequences for its inhabitants and those in neighboring countries.
To examine the extent of the issue, BBC Arabic analyzed pollution from wells in Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait. However, all of the countries involved either declined to comment or did not respond. Oil companies managing the sites, such as BP and Shell, where flaring took place, claimed to be working on reducing the practice.
The revelation comes just as the UAE hosts the UN’s COP28 climate summit, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to tackling climate change and air pollution. Earlier this week, leaked documents revealed that the UAE had intended to use its role as the host of the summit to strike oil and gas deals.
Expressing alarm over the findings, David R. Boyd, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, stated, Big oil companies and states in the Middle East are violating the human rights of millions of people by failing to tackle air pollution from fossil fuels. Despite the massive human suffering, Big Oil and petrostates carry on with business as usual with total impunity and zero accountability.
Gas flaring is avoidable, and the gas emitted can be captured and used to generate electricity or heat homes. However, the practice continues globally, emitting toxic pollutants such as PM2.5, Ozone, NO2, and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). These pollutants, when present in high levels or with prolonged exposure, have been linked to serious health issues, including strokes, cancer, asthma, and heart disease, according to international experts like the World Health Organization (WHO).
Not only does gas flaring pose a significant risk to human health, but it also contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases, including CO2 and methane, exacerbating global warming and climate change.
Twenty years ago, the UAE’s national oil company, Adnoc, committed to ending routine flaring. However, BBC satellite image assessments reveal that offshore flaring continues on a daily basis. The UAE is a major oil supplier to the UK market.
To shed light on the hidden toxic air pollution caused by oil giants, a documentary by BBC is now available for viewing on BBC iPlayer (UK only). The film highlights how the health of millions of people in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Iran, and Iraq is at risk due to the spreading toxic gases.
Gas flaring is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The need to reduce this destructive practice and prioritize human health and the environment cannot be overstated. The world is watching as the UAE, as the host of COP28, has a responsibility to lead by example in addressing air pollution and adopting sustainable practices.
Optimized for search engines, this BBC investigation reveals the alarming impact of toxic gas on millions in the Middle East. The urgency to address this pressing issue is now more significant than ever.
