Ali had leukaemia, and a BBC investigation revealed that his village, located within the field, had elevated levels of cancer-causing pollutants linked to flaring.

BP acknowledged concerns and is supporting changes.

This is the first known individual legal action against a major oil firm over flaring practices.

The claim letter accuses BP of being partly responsible as the lead contractor for Ali's leukaemia and death due to toxic emissions from the oilfield.

Mr. Hussein Julood is requesting compensation from British Petroleum (BP) for the medical expenses, loss of earnings, funeral costs, and emotional distress caused by his son's illness, which he believes is linked to BP's oil pollution in Basra, Iraq.

Julood is also advocating for other affected individuals in the region.

Wessen Jazrawi, a lawyer representing Julood, emphasizes the significance of this case as an instance of environmental litigation against a major carbon company for harmful emissions, particularly in developing countries where such companies often operate with little accountability.

Gas flaring is the practice of burning natural gas that is a byproduct of oil extraction.

This process is harmful to human health as the gas can contain cancer-causing chemicals like benzene.

The Rumaila oil field in the world has the highest recorded levels of gas flaring based on World Bank data, as reported by the BBC.