By Oyekunle Jide Adeyemi
The significant implication of CO2 and methane emitted by gas flaring accelerates climate change and endangers communities, animals, soil, water and air.
According to a recent study, methane emissions from flaring in the US are estimated to be five times greater than currently reported in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is of great socio-economic importance due to its huge crude oil deposits, but the process of exploration has been of great detrimental effect on the physiochemical properties of the soil, water and air quality in the region and has caused several public health and environmental issues.
Gas flaring is one of the major environmental issues in Nigeria and the major source of sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, carbon dioxide and particulate matter.
The effects cannot be over-emphasised most especially in the region of Nigeria. These emissions have a series of public health issues in the region coupled with the occurrence of acid rain, the greenhouse effect and corrosion of roofing sheets.
In addition to warming the planet, gas flares expose people to noxious gases. In the United States, an estimated 18 million people live within 2 kilometres (km) of an oil and gas well and half a million people live within 5 km of an active flare in the Permian and Eagle Ford basins (in Texas and New Mexico) and the Bakken basin (in North Dakota and Montana).
Flares and their associated emissions are known to cause preterm births, paediatric asthma, exacerbate pulmonary problems, and form smog, which is linked to cardiovascular, nervous system, and reproductive health issues. Some of the gas burned in flares like benzene are known carcinogens linked to birth defects. People of colour are disproportionately impacted, elevating EJ risks.
Gas flaring has negatively impacted the physical and chemical properties of soil, water and air components of the environment, and most especially impacting areas very close to the flaring site.
Gas flaring has been illegal in Nigeria since 1984, yet the country still ranks among the top 10 gas-flare countries with about 7.4billion cubic meters of gas flared in 2018 and about 425.9billion standard cubic feet of gas flared in 2019.
The health risks associated with gas flaring are glaring. In the oil-rich Niger Delta, 2 million people live within 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) of gas flare, which makes them more vulnerable to several health issues including cancer and lung damage, as well as deformities in children, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, neurological and reproductive problems.
Relatively, agricultural productivity (in the oil-producing areas) has been severely hampered by gas flaring. The combustion process raises the soil temperature, with a decline in crop yield and acid rains as its two major ripple effects. The smoke emanating from the flares also leads to black rainfall and water bodies which affect aquatic and Wildlife.
The most flaring site in gas production flow stations is the ten-meter-high flame that burns continuously from vertical pipes at the many facilities owned by oil companies. One of such is located at Ebocha in Egbema in the Niger Delta. There, the vertical pipes are fed with gas given off during production. Carbon dioxide and methane are the major greenhouse gases emitted in flaring and they make up to 80% of global warming.
Impact on Public Health
The public health effects posed by gas flaring and the resultant air pollution cannot be over-emphasized. Gas flare contains recognised toxins which are confirmed carcinogens such as benzene, benzopyrene, toluene, mercury and arsenic. In 1995, PN Ede monitored the air quality at Agbada, Bonny, Bomu, Tebidaba and Obagi in the vicinity of gas flaring. Results showed high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and suspended particulate matter above international standards and CO and suspended particulate matter were the greatest pollutants. This result is supported by the increasing cases of respiratory and skin disorders in the region. Other cumulative impacts of these emissions include acid rain, reduction of soil fertility and global warming.
Impacts on the Environment
Carbon dioxide and methane are the major greenhouse gases emitted in flaring and they make up 80% of global warming. According to experts, natural gas, propane, ethylene, propylene, butadiene and butane constitute 95% of the waste gases flared and CO2 gas is produced when these gaseous hydrocarbons react with atmospheric oxygen. According to a World Bank-sponsored study, gas flaring is one such anthropogenic activity defined as the wasteful emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that causes global warming, disequilibrium of the earth, and unpredictable weather changes. It is a major natural disaster because it emits a cocktail of benzene and other toxic substances that are harmful to humans, animals, plants and the entire physical environment. Other impacts are:
Acid rain: The unethical practice of gas flaring releases sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide which are the major causes of acid rain. Not only that, gas flaring degrades the air quality with acid rain, but it also causes smoke, heat stress, soil bacteria reduction, destruction of forests and wildlife, deterioration of infrastructure and poor agricultural harvests.
Impact on Economy
During rainfall, these gaseous oxides react with water to form sulphuric, carbonic and nitric acids respectively which get to the soil thereafter. The effect of this can be seen in plant succession where only acidic soil-adapted plants can grow in the area. The areas close to flare sites are now inhabited by grasses that can adapt to the heat generated and acidic soil from the acid anhydrides, VOCs and hydrogen sulphide gas. This situation has shown biodiversity loss. The soil is no longer fertile for cultivation as the nutrients are depleted.
There is an additional economic consequence of acid rain as it causes corrosion to corrugated roofing sheets such as zinc-plated sheets and consequently reduces their life span. The sheets usually lasted over 20 years earlier, but now last for 5 years. These sheets are commonly used in housing developments within the Niger Delta region. The house owners change the rusted and damaged sheets more often than expected and the aluminium roofing sheets which are highly resistant to acid rain are very expensive.
Thermal pollution: About 45.8 billion kilowatts of heat is discharged into the atmosphere from 1.8 billion cubic feet of gas every day in the Niger Delta region, leading to temperatures that render large areas inhabitable. Gas flaring causes elevated temperature in the vicinity of the flares, killing vegetation, reducing agricultural yield, suppressing the growth and flowering of some plants and driving away nocturnal animals.
To address the issues caused by gas flaring, several solutions can be implemented. Implementing flare gas utilisation projects can capture and utilise the flared gas for power generation, industrial use, or other purposes. This approach can help reduce the amount of gas flared and provide economic benefits to local communities.
Increasing transparency and accountability is also crucial in addressing gas flaring. Establishing a robust monitoring and reporting system can help track gas flaring activities, emissions, and compliance with regulations. This can help identify areas where improvements can be made and ensure that companies are held accountable for their actions.
Enforcing existing regulations and providing alternative energy sources can also help reduce gas flaring. Governments can strengthen enforcement of existing regulations and impose penalties on companies that fail to comply. Additionally, promoting alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce the demand for fossil fuels and minimise gas flaring.
Investing in gas infrastructure is also essential in reducing gas flaring. This includes developing pipelines, processing plants, and storage facilities to reduce gas flaring and promote the use of natural gas as a cleaner energy source. Promoting gas-based industrialisation can also help utilise the flared gas and create economic opportunities.
Developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies can also help address the issue of gas flaring. CCS technologies can capture and store CO2 emissions from gas flaring and other industrial sources, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
Fostering international cooperation is also crucial in addressing the global challenge of gas flaring. Collaborating with international organisations, governments, and industries can help share best practices, technologies, and expertise to reduce gas flaring and promote sustainable energy development.
Engaging local communities in decision-making processes and providing them with benefits and opportunities from gas flare reduction projects is also essential. This can help build trust and ensure that local communities benefit from efforts to reduce gas flaring.
Providing compensation and support to communities affected by gas flaring is also necessary. This can include providing financial compensation, medical support, and other forms of assistance to communities that have suffered health impacts, economic losses, or environmental damage due to gas flaring.
Finally, promoting community-based initiatives, such as sustainable agriculture, forestry, and eco-tourism, can help promote economic development and environmental conservation. These initiatives can provide alternative livelihoods for local communities and help reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. By implementing these solutions, we can reduce the negative impacts of gas flaring and promote sustainable energy development.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and energy sustainability, it is imperative that we address the issue of gas flaring with urgency and collective action. By implementing the solutions outlined above and working together, we can reduce the negative impacts of gas flaring and create a more sustainable future for all.
Looking ahead, gas flaring is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to resolve. By addressing the technical, economic, and social factors that contribute to gas flaring, we can reduce the environmental and health impacts of this practice and promote sustainable energy development. It is time for governments, industries, and communities to work together to end the scourge of gas flaring and create a better future for ourselves and future generations.
Ultimately, the elimination of gas flaring requires a fundamental shift in how we think about energy production and consumption. It demands that we prioritise sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility over short-term economic gains. As we move forward, let us commit to creating a world where energy is produced and consumed in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and just for all.
The time to act on gas flaring is now. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to take bold action to address this critical issue. By working together and implementing the solutions outlined above, we can create a more sustainable future and ensure that the devastating impacts of gas flaring are relegated to the past.
