Iraq: Death of environmental & human rights activist whose cancer was attributed to pollution highlights risks from 'flaring'
In September 2022, Unearthed and the BBC released a documentary on the impacts of out-of-control gas flaring from Iraq's oilfields on the local community, and on climate change. The documentary highlighted the increased risk of cancer for local residents and prompted confirmation from Iraqi ministries of the links. In April 2023, Ali Hussein Jaloud, a community member living close to one of BP's largest oilfields, was due to ask a question at the company's annual shareholder meeting but died from leukaemia a few days before. Ali's leukaemia had been linked to chemicals released by the burning of fossil fuels.
BP released press releases in response to the original documentary and in February 2022. Their statements can be read below.
Responses from Eni, which reportedly holds stakes in the oilfields, were reported by Greenpeace's Unearthed project.
The injustice of Ali’s death can never be forgiven. We grieve with his family and community and recognise that his loss of life is among many others facing the same situation in Rumaila. The perpetrators of this injustice, the fossil fuel industry, must be held accountable for such irreversible damage to human lives and the environment. We are determined to take forward his struggle and fight against the toxic presence of the fossil fuel industry who continue to act with impunity and without regard for the well-being and safety of people and basic human rights.Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network