Impact of Gas Flaring on the Environment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

Gas flaring is a common practice in the oil and gas industry that involves the burning of natural gas during the extraction and processing of crude oil. Despite its economic benefits, gas flaring has significant negative impacts on the environment. This paper explores the various ways in which gas flaring affects the environment, including the emission of greenhouse gases, air pollution, acid rain, and the destruction of ecosystems. It used a cross-sectional survey research design in generating the primary data used for the study, while the location of the study is Kurdistan. It used a sample size of 375 from a population of 6000 Oil & Gas company workers in Kurdistan. The findings of the study suggest that the negative impacts of gas flaring on the environment are significant, and requires urgent action to mitigate its effects. This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders and researchers interested in addressing the environmental consequences of gas flaring in the oil and gas industry.