“Iraq’s Cancer Surge Linked to Widespread Gas Flaring Practices”

Flaring: A Global Crisis with Deadly Consequences

The Story of Ali Hussein Jaloud

Ali Hussein Jaloud was barely in his 20s when he died of leukemia on April 21, 2021, in the southern Iraqi town of Rumaila, about 50 kilometers from the port city of Basra. Ali and his family attributed his illness to the pollution from the oil production and constant gas flares that surround their community. The tragedy of Ali’s life and death has drawn attention to the devastating impact of flaring on the environment and human health.

This story gained global attention after BBC and Unearthed investigations into the human and environmental toll of fossil fuel operations in Iraq. Flaring is a practice used by fossil fuel companies to burn off excess methane gas from oil operations instead of capturing the gas in pipelines. The powerful greenhouse gas, which is more than 80 times more potent at global warming than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, is released into the atmosphere when burned. Iraq accounts for the second-most flared gas in the world after Russia.

The Health Consequences of Flaring

Flaring not only releases toxic pollutants known to harm human health, including benzene, a human carcinogen that can cause leukemia, but it is also responsible for rising cancer rates in Basra. According to a leaked report from Iraq’s Health Ministry obtained by the BBC, cancer cases in the region are three times higher than publicly disclosed figures. The report attributed the cause of a 20% rise in cancer in Basra between 2015 and 2018, among other sources, to pollution generated by the oil industry. Iraq’s former environment minister, Jassem al-Falahi, also confirmed this link to the BBC.

This revelation should serve as a rude awakening for governments. Flaring is a global crisis with clear solutions. The Iraqi government should implement stringent regulations to restrict flaring and enforce them. It should provide proper health services to impacted communities and make polluters compensate those who have suffered, as required by Iraqi law. To address the full harm to local communities and the global climate, the government should transition away from fossil fuels.

A Call to Action for Governments Everywhere

The tragedy of Ali Hussein Jaloud’s death has brought attention to the devastating impact of flaring on our planet and human health. It is a wake-up call for governments around the world. It is time to take serious action against the practice of flaring and instead adopt environmentally sustainable alternatives.

If we are to protect our planet from the ravages of climate change and preserve our health and well-being, we must act now to end these dangerous practices. It is our responsibility, and we must take it seriously.

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