The energy industry is rapidly expanding over the years, especially in big developing countries such as China. China has been burning fossil fuels such as coal to generate electricity and large amounts of it. It is an efficient method to generate power and electricity, however, the environmental impact is devastating as a result of this act.

The article claims that oil sands producers in Alberta has been backed by the IEA (International Energy Agency) and the government to continue their production as it is not the major factor that is affecting climate change. However, this would mean that the BC province would not meet their GHG-reduction targets.

During the discussion in our Comm 101 lecture, we evaluated the pros and cons of the environmental side of business. The cost of the oil sand producers in Alberta to continue their production would be the environmental impact its production will cause. During our lecture, we concluded that it is essential for a business to make profit so they can continue to operate, but it is just as important for the company to maintain an eco-friendly way of operating. Although, there will be a drastic increase in the amount of Canadian energy exports to China, which will increase potential economic growth, the environmental impact would be a costly trade off in the long term.

Citations:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/oil-sands-not-a-major-source-of-climate-change-says-iea-economist/article15480326/