60 Luis D. Virla et al.
especially the weak integration of federal and provincial legislation negatively
affecting implementation of the described pathway. There are more
consequential risks identified in four broad categories. First, negative
environmental impacts – such as the pathway may still cause damage to local
ecosystems due to resource extraction, land- use change, air and water pollution,
the creation of physical barriers, and noise pollution. Second, negative health
impacts, particularly industrial pollution, which may affect the health of local
communities if this pathway were to be pursued. Third, negative impacts on
local communities, such as effects on the traditional ways of living of Indigenous
communities. And fourth, negative economic impacts, especially a potential
drop in profits leading to job losses and contraction of the economy. The
dynamic between the risks and uncertainties found shows the complex context
given for the development of lower- carbon pathways for the Alberta oil sands.
In addition, the interconnectivity between all factors suggest that policy
development should be done evaluating the sector as a system, and not focusing
efforts on isolated approaches that could negatively impact the effectiveness of
the much- needed policies (Figure 4.4).
Surveyed stakeholders in Alberta are aware of the challenges faced by
interested parties – government, industry, and Indigenous communities – when
trying to find common ground. Even under ideal conditions – a future where oil
and gas become sustainable – Albertans identify conflicts inherent to the
interests of the defined institutions. For industry, economic losses play a role,
Figure 4.3 Preliminary risk assessment developed by surveyed stakeholders.
Source: workshop #1, Alberta Ecotrust Environmental Gathering, Mount Royal University, 10
March 2018.
especially the weak integration of federal and provincial legislation negatively
affecting implementation of the described pathway. There are more
consequential risks identified in four broad categories. First, negative
environmental impacts – such as the pathway may still cause damage to local
ecosystems due to resource extraction, land- use change, air and water pollution,
the creation of physical barriers, and noise pollution. Second, negative health
impacts, particularly industrial pollution, which may affect the health of local
communities if this pathway were to be pursued. Third, negative impacts on
local communities, such as effects on the traditional ways of living of Indigenous
communities. And fourth, negative economic impacts, especially a potential
drop in profits leading to job losses and contraction of the economy. The
dynamic between the risks and uncertainties found shows the complex context
given for the development of lower- carbon pathways for the Alberta oil sands.
In addition, the interconnectivity between all factors suggest that policy
development should be done evaluating the sector as a system, and not focusing
efforts on isolated approaches that could negatively impact the effectiveness of
the much- needed policies (Figure 4.4).
Surveyed stakeholders in Alberta are aware of the challenges faced by
interested parties – government, industry, and Indigenous communities – when
trying to find common ground. Even under ideal conditions – a future where oil
and gas become sustainable – Albertans identify conflicts inherent to the
interests of the defined institutions. For industry, economic losses play a role,
Figure 4.3 Preliminary risk assessment developed by surveyed stakeholders.
Source: workshop #1, Alberta Ecotrust Environmental Gathering, Mount Royal University, 10
March 2018.