Royal Dutch/Shell published its first externally verified environmental audit and said it expects to increase the flaring of unwanted natural gas this year-paradoxically to reducte global warming. The Anglo-Dutch energy group says it is still committed to putting out the controversial flares, most of which are in Nigeria, by the year 2008. But in its report on the health, safety and environmental impact of its worldwide operations, Shell said it expects a rise in flaring because it is phasing out the more damaging practice of venting unwanted methane directly to the atmosphere.