Researchers find Alberta tar sands emissions may be 64 times higher than reported
Main ideas:
- New research suggests that emissions from Alberta tar sands may be significantly higher than previously reported.
- The study, conducted by scientists from the Environmental Defense Fund and the University of Toronto, analyzed air samples taken from over 100 tar sands oil and gas production sites.
- Results indicate that these emissions may be up to 64 times greater than what is officially reported to the government.
- The findings raise concerns about the accuracy of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions data and suggest that tar sands extraction is even more environmentally damaging than previously thought.
Author’s take:
This research reveals a disturbing discrepancy in the reporting of emissions from Alberta tar sands. If the findings are accurate, it means that the environmental impact of tar sands extraction is far greater than currently acknowledged. The study emphasizes the need for improved monitoring and reporting systems to ensure that accurate data is being used to inform climate policies and efforts to reduce emissions.