Recently, the European Commission has discussed plans on classifying the oil from various oil sands, including Alberta’s, as highly polluting. Kyle Yoshida, a Commerce 101 student in Section 105, commented on the political risk that is associated with the work that this industry does. With the concern for our environment growing larger over the past decade, I would have to agree with Kyle’s opinion. Approximately 5% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the oil sands industry in Alberta, and also contribute about 12% to Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions [1]. The carbon footprint that is created by this industry is an immense reason why global warming is such a concern to our society. Oil companies have a corporate social responsibility to achieve economic growth, but within social and environmental limits. Companies with strategic corporate social responsibilities create a strong image to its consumers, showing that they too care for the world in which we live in. Reducing their greenhouse gas emissions even by 2% would show their consumers that they are making an effort, thus creating a stronger brand image. All in all, the oil industry must do something about their environmental impact, or we could all face the consequences.
