Canada oil sands CO2 emissions hugely underestimated: study

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OTTAWA, April 24, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Canada’s oil sands CO2 emissions are
significantly higher than indicated by industry data collected using
internationally recommended methods, according to a study published Tuesday.

Environment Canada scientists flying over the region took atmospheric
measurements and found CO2 emission intensities up to 123 percent higher than
current estimates.

Their findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.

“This leads to 64 percent higher annual GHG emissions from surface mining
operations, and 30 percent higher overall oil sands GHG emissions (17 Mt)
compared to that reported by industry, despite emissions reporting which uses
the most up to date and recommended bottom-up approaches,” said the study,
referring to greenhouse gases.

The current method of calculating emissions uses a combination of ground
measurements based on fuel usage and mathematical modelling.

This includes emissions from mining, processing, upgrading and tailings
ponds.

Because similar reporting methods are used across the entire oil and gas
sector, the scientists concluded that all oil and gas CO2 emissions data “may
be more uncertain than previously considered.”

It also throws a wrench in the government’s climate strategy.

Canada agreed under the Paris agreement to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30
percent by 2030, from to 2005 levels.

The vast oil region in northern Alberta contains the world’s third-largest
oil reserve and is the single largest polluter in the country.

Despite shedding jobs and struggling with low oil prices over the past four
years, the sector remains a top economic contributor.