The role of Oil & Gas in Sustainability

The role of the oil and gas industry in sustainability is of utmost importance for the future of humankind. For over a century, O&G industry has provided the world with abundant, affordable, and reliable energy, which has been instrumental for the global economic growth, the development of technology and the improvement in health and the way of life that we all enjoy today. However, the lack of regulations and knowledge regarding the direct and indirect impacts on the environment and people have resulted in adverse consequences and severe damage to the planet.
The development we have achieved has come at a cost, and it is now imperative that we change our strategies and approaches for a more inclusive and sustainable ones. 
With increasing awareness of the urgent need for sustainable practices, it is necessary to ensure that the industry adopts a more environmentally conscious approach that prioritises sustainability, minimising harm to the planet, recovering and enhancing the natural environment.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the oil and gas industry can play a crucial role, as a leading sector that has the capacity, experience and technology to improve its environmental performance by: reducing air emissions, managing resources, energy and water efficiently, minimising waste, and recovering natural habitats. All of these working with safety, transparency and good governance, respecting human rights and enhancing peoples' lives. 
So, applying the principle of sustainability in the Oil and Gas Industry is much more than reducing the Carbon footprint in their operations. It is to reduce costs and maximise profits by investing on digitalisation, Carbon Capture and Storage CCS and reducing environmental impacts on air (GHG emissions), water and soil. It is to get involved with communities, improving their lives with education and decent jobs. Sustainability means to address economic, social and environmental externalities, it is to invest in natural based solutions, such as reforestation and restoring landscapes and habitat lost during operations. With a concerted effort towards sustainable practices, we can ensure that future generations inherit a cleaner, healthier planet having the same opportunities that we had.