Every Canadian, or almost is trying to do something about climate change. Whether it be, taking the bus, their bike or buying locally to save on transportation. Yes, people are trying, but are Canadian industries trying? These Greenhouse gas emitters have expelled more than 120 million tonnes of gases in one year, for a total of 758 million tonnes since 2004. In addition to causing climate change, the pollution these companies are emitting are causing major environmental and property damage from acid rain to sulfur dioxide, which inflicts a serious health toll in terms of asthma attacks and lung ailments, and pollution from power plants is linked to heart and lung diseases, which contribute to more than 20,000 premature deaths a year. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that, once released into the atmosphere, settles in lakes and rivers, where it moves up the food chain to humans. Here are the Canada’s top 10 greenhouse gas polluters.
At number 10 we have Dofasco inc. This industry specializes in steel making, ‘’ We will minimize our environmental impact through innovative design and practices to improve our processes and our products.’’ Says their website, and even adds, ‘’ We will meet standards set by legislation and go beyond compliance where appropriate through voluntary commitments to stakeholders.’’ Note the ‘ voluntary commitment’.
Next is Petro –Canada.,one of Canada’s largest oil and gas companies. ‘’Energy efficiency is a key focus of a climate change strategy Petro-Canada updated in 2005.’’ They even go as far as admitting that additional compressors increased emissions. Indeed, since 2001 there has been a 1,519 kilo tonnes of Greenhouse Gas increase. Petro-Canada deserves the 9th place.
Number 8 is EPCOR generation inc. They construct and operate all their power generating facilities. They to have environmental commitments, like follow the applicable law that is not yet set. Which is why they are number 8 and not 7..
Next at number 7 we have Suncor Energy Inc. Oil Sands. They recover bitumen from oil sands and upgrades it to refinery-ready feedstock and diesel fuel. ‘’ New technologies have allowed Suncor to reduce, on a per-barrel basis, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted as well as the amount of water we use’’. It seems nice, but, ‘’ because our business is growing, most of those factors are on the increase’’. Maybe next year they will be happy to move up to number 6.
For now, number 6 is held by Syncrude Canada Ltd. Syncrude produces high-quality, light, sweet crude oil which meets more than 13% of Canada's petroleum needs. This works out to approximately 240,000 barrels per day. Once more they are working to keep all air emissions well within legislated requirements and continuously looks at ways to reduce emissions. They have got to look harder to get out of this list.
Nova Scotia Power Inc. comes in at number 5. Generating change is what NSPI is all about as their motto says. Nova Scotia Power ‘’shares in the desires of our customers, shareholders, employees, and others, to enjoy the benefits of a sound economy in a healthy environment.’’ How many years will that take? Again they are relying on the the Environmental Policy as the framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets. They can rely on every policy, but if they don’t take action themselves they will soon be closer to number 1.
Number 4 is Alberta Power (2000). They believe that Governments and stakeholders should continue their dialogue to establish the appropriate level and timing of emissions targets. It is sure that talking about how to do it instead of doing it will help very much. Targets and schedules must be based on the availability of commercially viable technology. GHG and air policy considerations will be incorporated into the company’s business evaluations. I must ask, do they really believe their words?
Number 3, Saskatchewan Power Corporation. 13,669,500 tonnes of greenhouse gases is what SPC is doing very well. ‘’Our strategy is to ensure that all of Saskatchewan's new electricity needs until 2010 are met from environmentally friendly sources, whose operations do not add to greenhouse gas emissions.’’ Now, that is 3 years from now and they are at number 3.
In second place, Transalta Utilities Corporation. With 22,672,480 tonnes of greenhouse gases TUC should be ashamed. ‘’At TransAlta, sustainable development is more than just a buzzword. ‘’Transalta works hard to stay at the forefront of sustainable energy developments because it makes sense for the environment, our employees, our shareholders and our business.’’ Does it?, does it really? They will have a lot of explaining to do to me and you to convince us that they do not deserve second place.
And now for our ‘winner’, the number 1 spot goes to, Ontario Power Generation. ‘’ Our commitment to safety and protection of the environment is uncompromising and absolute.’’ That explains their commitment to give us 24,887,358 tonnes of greenhouse gases. At least they can feel good about planting 2.5 million native trees on more than 1,000 acres since the year 2000.
It seems that these ten companies write that they whish to save or even help the environment, but when you look closer, there is a reason why they are in this top 10. They seem to think that by hurting it a lot and then healing it a little, things will be alright. We know better, and so should they.
