So after seeing the country in an uproar about a few dead ducks (seriously, it isn't like we haven't got lots of them here), and hearing people complain about the environmental impact of the exploitation of Alberta's oilsands, I was able to get a first hand look.
First, let me give the nod to the environmentalists - yes, it's true. the complete destruction of the locales around the major plants in the region is absolutely staggering. It looks like a number of large smokestacks rising out of a desert - seriously.
But how many of you have actually been there, have actually seen the extents (and limits) of the so-called problem? Odds are, not very many. The fact is that it isn't that bad. Yes, the areas where the plants ARE are in a terrible environmental state. That said, the remainder of the areas AROUND where the plants are still exist as near pristine wilderness. Trees are alive and growing, as is wildlife.
So, to the doomsday prophets, I ask only that you take a few minutes and consider this - it's limited. It's VERY limited - the areas around the plants (once you get outside of the "desert" are still pristine wilderness. So, unless you've actually got something useful to say, please stick to hugging trees and stay the hell away from our economy.
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I think the key to this sort of issue is not to look at it as, "Well, things are actually fine so I guess we can stop thinking about it," but to anticipate how and when things could get worse, and to develop sustainable initiatives to prevent conditions from worsening, which takes work now but saves money and lives — human and waterfowl — in the long run.
There needs to be continuous study of the impacts of industrial activity on the surrounding human and wildlife populations. Ways to mitigate the potential negative effects on population health should always be in development.
Yes, industry drives our economy, puts food on our tables, roofs over our heads, and (most importantly these days) gas in our cars. To complain about it and do nothing is hypocritical, but to accept current practice as best practice is simply irresponsible.
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