Alberta Oilsands
The Environmental Impacts of the Alberta Oil Sands
One of the most controversial environmental issues in Canada is the extremely high-carbon process of extracting oil sands deposits found in Northern Alberta
Subtopic
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.
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
shift society away from petroleum dependency.
Set maximum levels of development
Do not allow for massive pipelines to be built (ex: Keystone XL)
What Consequences does this have on our Environment?
Regional air pollution; introducing toxic materials in the soil, water and air; loss of ecological habitat and biodiversity; water pollution; forest destruction
They include high carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions
Surface mining in particular has come under public scrutiny for its visible ecological impacts on the natural landscape
Over 715 km2 of boreal forest have already been destroyed or affected by oil sands
How Can we Protect our Environment from this?
Implement a wetlands and biodiversity offset policy
Set maximum levels of development
Establish 50% protected areas
Shift society away from petroleum dependency.