A recent investigation has revealed alarming levels of pollution linked to TotalEnergies' operations in Iraq and Africa, highlighting the company as one of the top polluters in these regions. The report, titled 'Burning Skies,' conducted by the Environmental Investigative Forum and various media outlets, uncovers that TotalEnergies is responsible for significant gas flaring emissions, contributing to climate change and public health crises.
Located 200 kilometers north of Basra, Iraq, the Halfaya oil field, where TotalEnergies holds a 22.5% stake, is the second most polluting site in the region due to gas flaring practices. Between 2012 and 2022, emissions from flaring at Halfaya totaled approximately 24 million tons of CO2, equating to the annual emissions of 1.5 million cars in France. These emissions have been linked to a 20% increase in cancer rates in the surrounding areas, as reported by local residents.
The investigation indicates that TotalEnergies has systematically downplayed its environmental impact by only reporting emissions from sites it directly operates, while disregarding those from minority stakes. This practice allows the company to present a misleadingly favorable carbon footprint. The report estimates TotalEnergies’ total emissions related to gas flaring in the region to be around 84 million tons, significantly higher than its reported figures.
Despite the clear health and environmental risks posed by flaring, TotalEnergies has been slow to implement effective mitigation measures. The Iraqi government is only now taking steps to address the issue, with a new facility aimed at reducing flaring inaugurated recently. However, flaring continues at several sites, raising questions about the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The findings of the 'Burning Skies' investigation call for greater transparency and accountability from TotalEnergies and other oil companies involved in gas flaring, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory reforms to protect public health and the environment.