PREFACE The WPC exists to help the oil and gas industry in the development of petroleum resources and the use of petroleum products for the benefit of mankind.
One of the WPCs aims is to provide a forum for the consideration of the science and technology, and of economic and managerial aspects of the oil and gas industry, including its contribution to and responsibilities before society at large.
Following an extensive survey of the needs and requirements of all National Committees of the World Petroleum Congresses (WPC), the WPC Executive Board established the Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) and two related Task Forces in May 1991.
Task Force 1 was given the mandate to consider codes of environmental conduct and consisted of representatives nominated by the WPC National Committees of Brazil, Croatia, France, Iran, Mexico, Poland and Venezuela. Dr. A. Saiazar from Venezuela acted as Chairman.
Work done Assessments have been made of 20 existing codes prepared by petroleum associations, other industry associations and petroleum companies from a number of countries. These have been reviewed by the Environmental Affairs Committee of the WPC and observers. Dr. E. M. Q. Roren from Norway acted as Chairman. This work programme took about two and a half years to complete.
This study is an example of the WPC providing a service for National Committees between its triennial congresses to meet their needs and requirements. Its aim is to encourage greater awareness and understanding of environmental issues.
It can be made available to organisations not linked to the WPC if National Committees consider this to be helpful. 1. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Most countries agree that additional steps must be taken if the natural environment as we know it today is to be safeguarded in ways consistent with the continuous improvement in general welfare in economic and social terms.
Liquid petroleum, together with other natural hydrocarbons such as natural gas, condensates and bitumens, are one of the most convenient and widely available energy resources in terms of ease of extraction and transportation, as well as refining and end usage. More than 60% of the world's primary commercial energy is currently provided by oil and gas and its derived products.
Oil and gas and other sources of energy have safely fuelled world-wide economic development.
Pollution problems associated with this development, together with growing populations, have become part of a larger problem, the solution of which require concerted efforts on an international scale.
The World Petroleum Congresses recognises that environmental consequences may occur from the production, transformation and consumption of oil and gas unless proper environmental management and the available control technologies are employed.
The world will continue to count on oil and gas for a h
