In a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Toxics’ (translated from Greek as ‘Poisons’), researchers have unveiled the first global, settlement-scale assessment of populations living near active upstream gas flaring sites. Led by Sotiris Zikas from the Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Thessaly, Greece, the research provides a stark reminder of the persistent issue of gas flaring in the oil and gas industry and its significant impact on human health and the environment.
Gas flaring, the burning of natural gas associated with oil extraction, remains a major source of air pollution and toxic emissions. Despite global initiatives aimed at reducing this practice, the number of people living near flaring sites has not been comprehensively quantified—until now. Zikas and his team have combined data from the VIIRS Nightfire satellite product, which detects high-temperature combustion sources globally, with the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) population and settlement data to create a transparent and reproducible geospatial workflow. This innovative approach allows for the calculation of proximity-based exposure indicators, revealing the extent to which populations are affected by upstream gas flaring.
The study’s findings are alarming. Between 2016 and 2023, exposure to gas flaring was concentrated in a few oil-producing countries, with Nigeria standing out as the most affected. Over 100,000 urban residents in Nigeria were exposed to flaring in 2023 alone. India and Pakistan dominated peri-urban and semi-urban exposures, while Indonesia and Iraq emerged as multi-settlement hotspots. Although some progress has been observed in countries like China and Iran, little improvement has been seen in Nigeria, Mexico, and Indonesia.
Looking ahead, the study projects that exposure will increase substantially by 2030, driven by population growth and urban expansion. By then, approximately 2.7 million people are expected to live within 1 km of flaring sites, and 14.8 million within 3 km. These projections underscore the urgent need for action to mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with gas flaring.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. The study provides a baseline for monitoring and mitigating gas flaring, aligning with the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative. “This research establishes a critical benchmark for understanding population exposure to gas flaring,” Zikas said. “It offers a transparent and reproducible method that can guide policy and industry efforts to reduce flaring and protect communities.”
The commercial impact of these findings cannot be overstated. Companies operating in regions with high exposure levels may face increased regulatory scrutiny, reputational risks, and potential liabilities related to health and environmental impacts. The study’s geospatial workflow could become a valuable tool for energy firms to assess their operational footprint and develop targeted mitigation strategies.
As the world moves toward cleaner energy solutions, the persistence of gas flaring remains a glaring contradiction. This research not only highlights the scale of the problem but also provides a roadmap for addressing it. By leveraging satellite data and advanced geospatial analysis, the energy sector can take meaningful steps toward reducing flaring and safeguarding communities. The study’s findings are a call to action for both policymakers and industry leaders to prioritize the elimination of routine flaring, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.