Carbon Emissions From Natural Gas Flaring — - Carbon Emissions From Natural Gas Flaring refers to the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted as a result of burning (flaring) natural gas during oil and gas production, processing, and extraction activities within a given year. Natural gas flaring is commonly used to dispose of excess or unwanted gas that cannot be economically captured, transported, or utilized. The indicator is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and serves as an important measure of emissions associated with upstream oil and gas operations, operational efficiency, and environmental performance.
Measured in million tonnes, the dataset reflects the volume of carbon emissions generated through natural gas flaring and serves as an important indicator of upstream oil and gas operations, resource management practices, and emission reduction progress.
Argentina recorded 1.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions from natural gas flaring in 2015, declining to 1.3 million tonnes in 2016 and 1.2 million tonnes in 2017, the lowest level during the observed period. Emissions increased to 1.6 million tonnes in 2018 and 2.0 million tonnes in 2019, followed by 2.3 million tonnes in 2020. Carbon emissions continued rising to 2.7 million tonnes in 2021, the highest value recorded in the dataset, before easing to 2.5 million tonnes in 2022 and 2.4 million tonnes in 2023, while remaining well above the levels observed during the early years.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a clear long-term upward trend in carbon emissions from natural gas flaring despite moderate fluctuations during the final years. The sustained increase after 2017 suggests higher flaring activity or changing operational conditions within Argentina's upstream energy sector. Although emissions declined slightly after peaking in 2021, they remained significantly above the initial values recorded at the beginning of the study period.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating Argentina's long-term flaring emission performance, monitoring changes in natural gas management, supporting environmental policy assessments, and benchmarking national performance against other producing countries. It also provides a dependable basis for forecasting future flaring emissions and understanding the relationship between hydrocarbon production, gas utilization efficiency, and environmental sustainability.