Project description

Routine gas flaring causes economic losses, environmental damage, and health risks, yet its cumulative impacts are not always quantified for policy decisions. 

Carbon Limits conducted a structured assessment of the historical economic, environmental, and social costs of gas flaring in Iraq. The work quantified the volumes of flared gas from 2015 to 2024, corresponding GHG emissions, and foregone economic value of the gas and lost opportunities, assessed implications for public finances and energy supply, and evaluated environmental and health impacts using semi‑quantitative methods, which was done in cooperation with ELARD. Satellite data, emission estimation approaches, economic valuation techniques, and health impact indicators were combined to translate complex information into policy‑relevant insights.

The study informs national policy development by clarifying trade‑offs, strengthening the case for reducing routine flaring, and support future actions aligned with Iraq’s commitment to the World Bank’s “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030” initiative and GHG emissions reduction objectives.