Canada’s oil sands producers recently announced a collaborative effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from their operations.1 However, their plan includes no mention of reducing the production of Alberta oil.2
Crude oil and its carbon footprint
Oil sands crude has “by far the heaviest CO2 footprint” of any oil operation.3 So, how can Alberta oil companies hope to be net-zero whilst still producing fossil fuels?
The Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero initiative
This initiative includes companies covering 90 per cent of Canada’s oil sands production.4 Their net-zero goal is a response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau planning to increase Canada’s carbon price.5 Therefore, the Alberta oil companies are simply looking to save themselves money. Appropriately, the announcement is being derided as “nonsensical greenwashing” by critics.6
Why is it crucial to close Alberta’s oil sands facilities?
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is extremely important for combatting climate change. But, net-zero emissions are impossible to achieve without stopping the production of Alberta oil. Moreover, emissions are not the only damage that the sector causes.
How is the Alberta oil industry destructive?
This extraordinarily destructive industry is also responsible for clearing swathes of trees and vegetation, draining wetlands and diverting entire rivers.7 It releases air pollution that creates acid rain. Furthermore, it uses large quantities of fresh water every day. In fact, to make just one barrel of crude, it requires three barrels of fresh water.8
Finally, it produces huge amounts of waste tailings fluid. There are so many oil sands tailings ponds containing the toxic slurry that they can be seen from space.9 But, they do not have adequate protection. The fluid is leaking into the Athabasca River. Subsequently, it is increasing cancer rates amongst residents in nearby Fort Chipewyan.10
Why do Alberta’s oil sands emit so much CO2?
Companies producing Alberta oil emit so much CO2 due to the nature of oil sands. Oil sands are a combination of water, clay, sand and bitumen. Bitumen is a heavy type of oil.11 Since it is viscous, it makes it difficult to extract. This property makes it harder to refine than other crude.12
Much of it lies deep beneath the ground. As a result, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) has to be used to produce about 93 per cent of Alberta oil. The process involves pumping steam 300 to 600 metres below the Earth.13 This loosens the thick bitumen and helps the sand and oil to be pumped out.14 It is highly energy-intensive. Therefore, it leads to more emissions.15 In fact, between 2004 and 2015, the emission intensity from extraction actually increased by nine per cent.16
Post-extraction emissions
However, drawing bitumen to the surface is only the beginning. The slurry of crude and sand requires cleansing, using additional steam and water. Next, the product is ready for mixing with chemicals. This makes it easier to transport via trucks, trains or pipelines. These processes and transportation methods are also energy-intensive. Consequently, they result in further emissions. Much of the oil ends up in Texas. This is a distance of about 4,000 kilometres.17
How many emissions does Canada’s oil sands generate?
Overall, the extraction and processing of Canada’s oil sands generate 2.2 times the emissions of conventional North American crude.18 Even worse, research shows that emissions from Alberta oil could be much higher than previously thought. Scientists took carbon dioxide (CO2) readings above major surface mining operations. Their findings show emissions 64 per cent higher on average than industry reports.19
The Paris Agreement and Canada’s oil sands production
The production of Alberta oil is a black mark against Canada’s name in the fight against climate change. Without this sector, the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions would decline by 12 per cent. Moreover, global emissions would decrease by 0.2 per cent.20 It will be impossible to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement whilst industries like tar sands continue.
The discrepancies between Alberta’s oil sands operations and Canada’s promises on climate change
The Paris Agreement sets out to limit global warming to well below 2°C. Its signatories aim to cap the planet’s rise in temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.21 This would significantly reduce the environmental damage that the planet would cause, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).22
Canada is one of the treaty’s signatories. However, its ongoing support for Alberta oil decreases the likelihood of reducing its emissions. In fact, many sources predict growth in production for Alberta oil.
The predictions of CAPP
For instance, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) describes itself as “the voice of Canada’s upstream oil and natural gas industry”.23 Its 2019 forecast anticipates production to increase by 1.27 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2035. Although they expect the annual production rate to slow from three to one per cent in 2021, this is still an overall growth.24 Anything other than a decline in oil sands production is contrary to Canada’s promises on climate change.
Alberta’s oil sands production is increasing
Moreover, since October 2020, Alberta oil has been flourishing. Oil sands production in November 2020 was at a record high. Production levels reached 3.16 million bpd. Growth is forecast to continue throughout 2021, following the lifting of production curtailments by the Alberta government in December 2020. In fact, the Canadian Energy Regulator believes that oil sands production will increase to 4.3 million bpd by 2039 before beginning to decline.25
How Alberta’s oil sands contribute to Canada warming twice as fast as the rest of the world
In 2019, a federal government report found that Canada was warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. In particular, climate change is affecting Canada’s Arctic. It has numerous adverse effects.26
Alberta oil leads to melting ice
For instance, the sea ice is receding. It is leading to much longer and more widespread sea-ice-free conditions. By mid-century, the report forecasts that Canadian Arctic marine areas will have extensive ice-free periods during summer. This would be devastating for the ice-dependent plants and animals that live there.27
Alberta oil is warming the ocean
However, the effects of global warming are not limited to melting ice. The report by Environment and Climate Change Canada includes multiple other results. All are having catastrophic repercussions for the natural world. For example, rising temperatures are warming the oceans around Canada. This makes them both more acidic and less oxygenated. In consequence, they become less hospitable for marine ecosystems.28
What is causing global warming?
Human activity
The report points to “human emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide” as causes of climate change. Above all, they are clear that humans are ultimately responsible for how global warming affects Canada and the rest of the world. This depends upon whether we follow a low, medium or high emissions pathway.29 These findings are very similar to that of the IPCC.30
Fossil fuels, such as Alberta oil
Consequently, the production of fossil fuels cannot continue. In particular, there must be an end to dirty sources, such as Alberta oil. Claims like the oil sands industry’s ‘net-zero’ by 2050 announcement need to be dismissed. Its initiative does not encompass the emissions released when its product is burned.31 Therefore, it cannot truly be net-zero. It is impossible to have zero emissions whilst still producing coal, natural gas or oil.
Canada and climate change
How will Canada suffer in the future due to Alberta oil?
Canada is already experiencing some of the worst effects of climate change. With our current rate of emissions, these effects will only intensify in the future. This will lead to more frequent and intense extremes of hot temperature. Furthermore, more droughts and wildfires will occur. Heavier rainfall will flood urban areas. Likewise, coastal areas will be under threat from rising sea levels.32 Overall, it is a dystopian future that Canada’s leading environmental scientists are predicting.
Canada still has time to avoid a climate disaster
But unlike many disasters, this one is avoidable. Humans have the choice between destroying the planet with fossil fuels or transitioning to clean renewable alternatives. There is still time to avoid the climate catastrophe that is looming on our horizon.
The problem with Alberta oil
Firstly, Canada must halt all of its oil sands operations. Not only is Alberta oil a fossil fuel, but its emissions are far greater than other sources of crude.33 Canada is likely to miss its 2030 emissions target by 15 per cent.34 The oil sands industry will be largely responsible for this.
This highlights the inconsistency between a country aiming to achieve net-zero emissions whilst supporting one of the most destructive industries in the world. Canada is trying to both have its cake and eat it. In conclusion, we cannot avoid climate catastrophe without eliminating Alberta oil.
Sources
- Reuters. (2021). Canada’s oil sands producers form alliance to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/canadas-oil-sands-producers-form-alliance-achieve-net-zero-emissions-by-2050-2021-06-09/.
- Climate Home News. (2021). Tar sands companies aim for “net zero” by 2050 – with no plan to extract less oil. [online] Available at: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2021/06/10/tar-sands-companies-aim-net-zero-2050-no-plan-extract-less-oil/.
- www.rystadenergy.com. (2021). An analysis of the upstream industry’s dirty laundry: Whose production has the lowest CO2 intensity? [online] Available at: https://www.rystadenergy.com/newsevents/news/press-releases/an-analysis-of-the-upstream-industrys-dirty-laundry-whose-production-has-the-lowest-co2-intensity/ [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- OilPrice.com. (2021). Canada’s Top Oil Sands Firms Set Up Net-Zero Emissions Alliance. [online] Available at: https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Canadas-Top-Oil-Sands-Firms-Set-Up-Net-Zero-Emissions-Alliance.html [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Reuters. (2021). Canada’s oil sands producers form alliance to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/canadas-oil-sands-producers-form-alliance-achieve-net-zero-emissions-by-2050-2021-06-09/.
- Treehugger. (2021). Net-Zero Efforts of Canadian Oil Sands Companies Are Greenwashing. [online] Available at: https://www.treehugger.com/canadian-oil-sands-companies-to-be-net-zero-by-2050-or-not-5188795.
- Unu.edu. (2009). How Things Work: Canada’s Oil Sands – Our World. [online] Available at: https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/canadas-oil-sands.
- Leahy, S. (2019). Alberta, Canada’s oil sands is the world’s most destructive oil operation—and it’s growing. [online] Environment. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/alberta-canadas-tar-sands-is-growing-but-indigenous-people-fight-back.
- Leahy, S. (2019). Alberta, Canada’s oil sands is the world’s most destructive oil operation—and it’s growing. [online] Environment. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/alberta-canadas-tar-sands-is-growing-but-indigenous-people-fight-back.
- Financial Post. (2014). Oil sands pollution linked to higher cancer rates in Fort Chipewyan for first time: study. [online] Available at: https://financialpost.com/news/oil-sands-pollution-linked-to-higher-cancer-rates-in-fort-chipewyan-study-finds.
- CAPP. (2019). What Are the Oil Sands | Canada’s Oil Sands Facts & Information. [online] Available at: https://www.capp.ca/oil/what-are-the-oil-sands/.
- Yale Climate Connections. (2021). Canada’s oil sands industry is taking a big hit» Yale Climate Connections. [online] Available at: https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/03/canadas-oil-sands-industry-is-taking-a-big-hit/.
- Barnard, M. (2021). Alberta Oil Sands Emissions Alone Are 3 Times The Global Market For CO2. [online] CleanTechnica. Available at: https://cleantechnica.com/2021/02/10/alberta-oil-sands-emissions-alone-are-3-times-the-global-market-for-co2/ [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Barnard, M. (2021). Alberta Oil Sands Emissions Alone Are 3 Times The Global Market For CO2. [online] CleanTechnica. Available at: https://cleantechnica.com/2021/02/10/alberta-oil-sands-emissions-alone-are-3-times-the-global-market-for-co2/ [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Leahy, S. (2019). Alberta, Canada’s oil sands is the world’s most destructive oil operation—and it’s growing. [online] Environment. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/alberta-canadas-tar-sands-is-growing-but-indigenous-people-fight-back.
- Israel, B. (2017). The Real GHG trend: Oilsands among the most carbon intensive crudes in North America. [online] Pembina Institute. Available at: https://www.pembina.org/blog/real-ghg-trend-oilsands.
- Barnard, M. (2021). Alberta Oil Sands Emissions Alone Are 3 Times The Global Market For CO2. [online] CleanTechnica. Available at: https://cleantechnica.com/2021/02/10/alberta-oil-sands-emissions-alone-are-3-times-the-global-market-for-co2/.
- Israel, B. (2017). The Real GHG trend: Oilsands among the most carbon-intensive crudes in North America. [online] Pembina Institute. Available at: https://www.pembina.org/blog/real-ghg-trend-oilsands.
- Zach Dubinsky (2019). Oilsands CO2 emissions may be far higher than companies report, scientists say. [online] CBC. Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/oilsands-carbon-emissions-study-1.5106809 [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Government of Canada (2017). Crude oil facts | Natural Resources Canada. [online] Nrcan.gc.ca. Available at: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-data/data-analysis/energy-data-analysis/energy-facts/crude-oil-facts/20064.
- UNFCCC (2016). The Paris Agreement. [online] UNFCCC. Available at: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement.
- IPCC (2018). Summary for Policymakers — Global Warming of 1.5 oC. [online] Ipcc.ch. Available at: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/.
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. (2019). Home. [online] Available at: https://www.capp.ca/.
- CAPP. (n.d.). Crude Oil Forecast | Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. [online] Available at: https://www.capp.ca/resources/crude-oil-forecast/ [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Williams, N. (2021). Canada’s oil sands hit record high production – gov’t data. Reuters. [online] 6 Jan. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-canada-crude-idUSKBN29B2N8.
- Anon. (2019). Headline Statements — Canada’s Changing Climate Report. [online] Available at: https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2019/chapter/headline-statements [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Anon. (2019). Headline Statements — Canada’s Changing Climate Report. [online] Available at: https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2019/chapter/headline-statements [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Anon. (2019). Headline Statements — Canada’s Changing Climate Report. [online] Available at: https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2019/chapter/headline-statements [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Anon, (2019). Chapter 8 — Canada’s Changing Climate Report. [online] Available at: https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2019/chapter/8-0/ [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- IPCC (2018). Summary for Policymakers — Global Warming of 1.5 oC. [online] Ipcc.ch. Available at: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/.
- Climate Home News. (2021). Tar sands companies aim for “net zero” by 2050 – with no plan to extract less oil. [online] Available at: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2021/06/10/tar-sands-companies-aim-net-zero-2050-no-plan-extract-less-oil/.
- Anon. (2019). Headline Statements — Canada’s Changing Climate Report. [online] Available at: https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2019/chapter/headline-statements [Accessed 18 Jun. 2021].
- Israel, B. (2017). The Real GHG trend: Oilsands among the most carbon-intensive crudes in North America. [online] Pembina Institute. Available at: https://www.pembina.org/blog/real-ghg-trend-oilsands.
- Jackson, H. (2019). “Catastrophic”: Canada set to miss 2030 emissions target by 15%, UN report says. [online] Global News. Available at: https://globalnews.ca/news/6218195/un-emissions-report-canada/.