He is not speaking for himself alone but also for the people in his community who are suffering from pollution caused by the highest known levels of flaring in the world, according to BBC analysis of World Bank figures.

Ali himself has experienced the health consequences of this pollution when he was diagnosed with acute lymphomatic leukemia and underwent two years of treatment, including chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and radiotherapy.

Despite being a footballer and a good student before his illness, he was unable to return to school after his treatment.

However, after being declared in remission in 2021, Ali started a local phone business and was looking forward to the future.

In 2022, Ali, a worker in the Rumaila oilfield in Iraq, relapsed from a previous illness and his family tried to raise funds for experimental treatment in India.

However, Ali passed away on April 21 before they could make the journey.

Julood, Ali's brother, spoke at BP's annual general meeting a week after Ali's death, calling for an end to gas flaring in Rumaila to prevent further suffering for families.

Ali was described as an unforgettable person and a source of support for his family.

A year after the death of a local resident, Ali, in an Iraqi oil field, there have been daily occurrences of flaring and black smoke in populated areas, causing concern for the health and safety of the community.

Up to four or five local deaths due to cancer have been reported since Ali's death.

Wessen Jazrawi, a partner at Hausfeld & Co., the law firm representing the deceased's family, stated that this is an instance of environmental litigation seeking compensation for harmful emissions from a major carbon company.

Such companies have often been able to engage in harmful environmental practices with impunity, particularly in the Global South.