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.
Vietnam recorded 2.0 million tonnes of carbon emissions from natural gas flaring in 2015, declining to 1.8 million tonnes in 2016 before increasing slightly to 1.9 million tonnes in 2017. Emissions fell to 1.6 million tonnes in both 2018 and 2019, followed by a further decline to 1.4 million tonnes in 2020. Carbon emissions reached their lowest level of 1.1 million tonnes in 2021, increased modestly to 1.2 million tonnes in 2022, and rose to 1.3 million tonnes in 2023, remaining significantly below the level recorded at the beginning of the study period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a clear long-term decline in carbon emissions from natural gas flaring despite minor fluctuations during the later years. The sustained reduction indicates improvements in gas utilization, operational efficiency, and flaring management practices within Vietnam's upstream energy sector. Although emissions increased slightly after reaching their lowest level in 2021, they remained comparatively low throughout the remainder of the observed period.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating Vietnam's long-term flaring emission performance, monitoring trends in natural gas management, supporting environmental policy assessments, and benchmarking national performance against other producing countries. It also provides a dependable foundation for forecasting future flaring emissions and understanding the relationship between hydrocarbon production, gas utilization efficiency, and environmental sustainability.