{"id":1481,"date":"2021-07-21T14:26:54","date_gmt":"2021-07-21T14:26:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/climatetransform.com\/?p=1481"},"modified":"2021-09-07T10:58:16","modified_gmt":"2021-09-07T10:58:16","slug":"albertas-oil-sands-why-they-are-the-most-destructive-in-the-world-extended","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/climatetransform.com\/albertas-oil-sands-why-they-are-the-most-destructive-in-the-world-extended\/","title":{"rendered":"Alberta’s Oil Sands: Why They Are the Most Destructive In the World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Canada\u2019s oil sands producers recently announced a collaborative effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from their operations.<\/span>1<\/sup><\/a><\/span> However, their plan includes no mention of reducing the production of Alberta oil.<\/span>2<\/sup><\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Oil sands crude has \u201cby far the heaviest CO2 footprint\u201d of any oil operation.<\/span>3<\/sup><\/a><\/span> So, how can Alberta oil companies hope to be net-zero whilst still producing fossil fuels?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This initiative includes companies covering 90 per cent of Canada\u2019s oil sands production.<\/span>4<\/sup><\/a><\/span> Their net-zero goal is a response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau planning to increase Canada\u2019s carbon price.<\/span>5<\/sup><\/a><\/span> Therefore, the Alberta oil companies are simply looking to save themselves money. Appropriately, the announcement is being derided as \u201cnonsensical greenwashing\u201d by critics.<\/span>6<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This extraordinarily destructive industry is also responsible for clearing swathes of trees and vegetation, draining wetlands and diverting entire rivers.<\/span>7<\/sup><\/a><\/span> 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.<\/span>8<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/span>9<\/sup><\/a><\/span> 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.<\/span>10<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/span>11<\/sup><\/a><\/span> Since it is viscous, it makes it difficult to extract. This property makes it harder to refine than other crude.<\/span>12<\/sup><\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/span>13<\/sup><\/a><\/span> This loosens the thick bitumen and helps the sand and oil to be pumped out.<\/span>14<\/sup><\/a><\/span> It is highly energy-intensive. Therefore, it leads to more emissions.<\/span>15<\/sup><\/a><\/span> In fact, between 2004 and 2015, the emission intensity from extraction actually increased by nine per cent.<\/span>16<\/sup><\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/span>17<\/sup><\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, the extraction and processing of Canada\u2019s oil sands generate 2.2 times the emissions of conventional North American crude.<\/span>18<\/sup><\/a><\/span> 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.<\/span>19<\/sup><\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The production of Alberta oil is a black mark against Canada\u2019s name in the fight against climate change. Without this sector, the country\u2019s total greenhouse gas emissions would decline by 12 per cent. Moreover, global emissions would decrease by 0.2 per cent.<\/span>20<\/sup><\/a><\/span> It will be impossible to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement whilst industries like tar sands continue. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCrude oil and its carbon footprint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero initiative<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why is it crucial to close Alberta’s oil sands facilities?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How is the Alberta oil industry destructive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why do Alberta’s oil sands emit so much CO2?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Post-extraction emissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How many emissions does Canada\u2019s oil sands generate?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Paris Agreement and Canada’s oil sands production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n