The Alberta oil sands are a significant environmental concern due to their extensive impacts on the natural landscape. Surface mining operations are particularly problematic, leading to the destruction of over 715 km² of boreal forest and contributing to high levels of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.
What Consequences does this have on our Environment?
Over 715 km2 of boreal forest have already been destroyed or affected by oil sands
Regional air pollution; introducing toxic materials in the soil, water and air; loss of ecological habitat and biodiversity; water pollution; forest destruction
What actions and processes are
occurring in order to resolve the conflict?
Ongoing discussions about environmental regulations and ecological monitoring practices, decision-making and approval processes, distribution of economic benefits between Canadian taxpayers and foreign investors
According to Environment Canada, the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (responsible for climate change) is Canada's oil industry. In a report released in 2014, Environment Canada found that oil and gas now accounts for one-quarter of all of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions.
The Environmental Impacts of the Alberta Oil Sands
Subtopic
One of the most controversial environmental issues in Canada is the extremely high-carbon process of extracting oil sands deposits found in Northern Alberta
