What comes to mind when thinking about Northern Alberta? For many activists and companies, it is home to the infamous tar sands. Lately, the European Union has been taking steps towards targeting the tar sands as a part of their plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
However, Canada has not given up hope yet. They believe that they can persuade the EU to understand that oil can be extracted in a socially responsible way.
Of course, persuasion alone will not be enough. That is where the other investors come in. Tens and billions of dollars have been invested in these oil sands and investors will not be happy if something that can affect output occurs. This is why Britain and the Netherlands have been supporting Canadian interests to allow normal operations at the oil sands.
The oil sands have killed wildlife habitats around the area and permanent changes to the ecosystem have occurred. To combat this problem, I see lessening developments of the oil sands to be the natural next step. It is undeniable however that the whole world wants to satisfy their want for these resources, as well as money, and thus, the environment must be sacrificed.
Link to article.
Link to info on impact of tar sands.
Image credits: Before and after
