Oilsands only part of environment problem: report Don't forget to blame drivers, too
Category:
General oil sands topics
posted by
Groundpounder
Friday, January 15, 2010 2:31 PM
Don't single out Alberta’s oilsands as the source of Canada’s poor record on greenhouse gas emissions, says the Conference Board of Canada in a new report. Instead, blame drivers.
The report from the private-sector think-tank says that, in comparison to oilsands emissions of 5%, road transportation accounted for approximately 18% of total Canadian GHG emissions in 2007, partly blaming Canadians' love for light-duty trucks and SUVs.
“In the interest of even-handed treatment across economic sectors and long-term competitiveness for both Canada and the United States, improvements are needed in every step of the energy value chain, and reducing emissions from vehicles must be a part of any climate change plan,” said Len Coad, director, environment, energy and transportation policy with the Conference Board, who co-authored the report with Glen Hodgson, chief economist.
The board recommends that a comprehensive climate change plan must strike a balance between energy producers and consumers. As oilsands emissions will grow as production doubles over the next decade, the reports says producers must continue to develop new technologies and processes that reduce emissions during extraction. Meanwhile, efforts need to be made to reduce long-term global demand for oil products.
“The perceived Achilles heel of the oil sands is its higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions. But on a wells-to-wheels basis, oilsands are not significantly dirtier than oil from many other global sources. Furthermore, Canada and the United States will continue to rely on oil products for the foreseeable future, and the oilsands offer advantages as a preferred supplier for North America,” said Coad.
What are your thoughts?
GROUNDPOUNDER
"He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator."
