Climate Politics
Middle East War Spurs Emissions From Oil and Gas Sites, Satellites Show
Experts have detected increased flaring at some facilities, highlighting the increase in greenhouse gases from the conflict.
Source: picture-alliance/AP Photo
The conflict in the Middle East appears to have forced some oil and gas companies to directly burn off more natural gas than usual as their facilities have come under attack or exports have been blocked, releasing planet-warming pollution.
An increase in emissions is a relatively minor issue against the loss of life and economic chaos wrought by the war, yet it shows one of many unanticipated consequences from the fighting. Before the war, efforts to cut down on excess flaring had become a focus for investors keen to rein in waste and greenhouse gases.