Oil Sand
S eptember 2011
Fact sheet
Oilsands and climate change
How Canada’s oilsands are standing in the way of effective climate action b y Marc Huot
At a glance
As the United States evaluates whether the proposed Keystone XL oilsands pipeline is in its national interest or not, there are important issues it must consider, such as the ability of Canadian provincial and federal climate policies to effectively address rising greenhouse gas emissions. The Final Environmental
Impact Statement for the pipeline issued by the U.S. Department of State overlooked key information and context on greenhouse gas emission management in Canada. In fact, a close inspection of Canada’s climate record illustrates key weaknesses at the federal level as well as in Alberta.
This fact sheet aims to supplement the dialogue by providing key information on oilsands emissions growth, future oilsands intensity improvements, and the climate policies in effect in Canada at the provincial and federal levels. For a more detailed analysis, please refer to the accompanying briefing note,
“Oilsands and climate change: How Canada’s oilsands are standing in the way of effective climate action.”
Canada’s emissions
Greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution from Canada’s oilsands is growing rapidly, and existing climate policies are too weak to limit this growth
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Oilsands development is the fastest growing source of GHG pollution in Canada. In the last two decades, oilsands emissions have more than doubled.
Government forecasts predict annual GHG emissions from oilsands will double again from 2009 to 2020 with current policies and practices; the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers forecasts that
GHG emissions from oilsands are likely to continue climbing well into the 2030s.
GHG emissions are growing faster in the oilsands industry than any other sector or sub-sector in Canada.
While the Government of Canada is talking about developing oil and gas regulations, the
Fact sheet
Oilsands and climate change
How Canada’s oilsands are standing in the way of effective climate action b y Marc Huot
At a glance
As the United States evaluates whether the proposed Keystone XL oilsands pipeline is in its national interest or not, there are important issues it must consider, such as the ability of Canadian provincial and federal climate policies to effectively address rising greenhouse gas emissions. The Final Environmental
Impact Statement for the pipeline issued by the U.S. Department of State overlooked key information and context on greenhouse gas emission management in Canada. In fact, a close inspection of Canada’s climate record illustrates key weaknesses at the federal level as well as in Alberta.
This fact sheet aims to supplement the dialogue by providing key information on oilsands emissions growth, future oilsands intensity improvements, and the climate policies in effect in Canada at the provincial and federal levels. For a more detailed analysis, please refer to the accompanying briefing note,
“Oilsands and climate change: How Canada’s oilsands are standing in the way of effective climate action.”
Canada’s emissions
Greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution from Canada’s oilsands is growing rapidly, and existing climate policies are too weak to limit this growth
•
•
•
•
Oilsands development is the fastest growing source of GHG pollution in Canada. In the last two decades, oilsands emissions have more than doubled.
Government forecasts predict annual GHG emissions from oilsands will double again from 2009 to 2020 with current policies and practices; the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers forecasts that
GHG emissions from oilsands are likely to continue climbing well into the 2030s.
GHG emissions are growing faster in the oilsands industry than any other sector or sub-sector in Canada.
While the Government of Canada is talking about developing oil and gas regulations, the