Rabat — The World Bank revealed that global gas flaring hit its highest level since 2007, creating new challenges as the world faces an ongoing energy crisis and growing climate threats.
The bank’s annual “Global Gas Flaring Tracking Report” shows that gas flaring increased for the second consecutive year.
The practice wastes energy worth approximately $63 billion and undermines efforts to manage emissions, boost energy security, and improve energy access.
Gas flaring occurs when companies burn natural gas during oil extraction.
The report found that global flaring reached 151 billion cubic meters in 2024, rising by 3 billion cubic meters from the previous year and marking the highest level recorded in nearly two decades.
The massive waste of gas produced 389 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, including 46 million tons of unburned methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases that drives climate change.
Countries that signed the “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030” initiative performed much better than nations that did not join the commitment, suggesting that formal pledges help reduce the wasteful practice.
The World Bank’s findings signal a troubling trend at a time when the world desperately needs to cut emissions and make better use of energy resources.
The $63 billion in wasted energy could have powered millions of homes or helped developing countries expand their energy access.
Gas flaring remains a significant environmental and economic problem.
The practice releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere while squandering valuable energy that could meet global demands.
The World Bank’s report serves as a stark reminder that the energy industry must do more to capture and use this gas instead of simply burning it off.
