Sustainability in Upstream Oil and Gas

Abstract

Oil and gas production plays an important role in meeting global energy needs, but it also has environmental and social implications. In addition to creating ecological degradation and carbon emissions, oil and gas operations also damage the environment. Upstream sustainability requires improvements in several key areas, such as switching to cleaner energy sources including natural gas and renewables, reducing methane emissions, and adopting innovative carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. A brief overview of the upstream oil and gas industry is presented in this chapter, along with an assessment of the need to implement sustainable initiatives. An overview of sustainability improvements and challenges associated with implementation follows. The chapter concluded with an exploration of the equitable future of the industry achieved through the execution of these strategies and the promotion of a sustainable culture.