I've said for years! Deforestation is not 'just' about trees; it's about the survival of every species of animals, including us.
Think about the fundamental thing we were taught in school about what trees do!
TREES CLEAN THE AIR.
FACT: Carbon dioxide (CO2) building up in our atmosphere, is the major contributor to climate change.
FACT: Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air. In just one year, one acre of mature trees can absorb enough CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.
However, we continue to destroy our forests at an alarming rate; and blame other industries for climate change?
I consider myself an environmentalist. However, let’s be clear, I would say that I am a “pragmatic environmentalist.”
I believe there is far too much negative focus on the O&G industry, all the while other industries are going on completely unchallenged and destroying large, sensitive tracts of land.
Let’s talk about clearcutting. So many areas in our headwaters are being destroyed. However, there is nary a peep about the damage done. Why? Because there are companies (people) that profit from all the negative focus on the oil and gas industry, while the destruction of our forests continues unchallenged.
The Alberta governments proposal to build the Maclean and Springbank dry dams are incredibly bad ideas with potentially devastating results. The problem is not the river! It is the rapid drainage from destroying forests upstream!
All the same, Alberta Environment is allowing continued destruction to the watershed upstream! We should be correcting harm, not causing more of it.
So, let's be clear here; bringing the O&G industry in Alberta to its knees is not helpful on so many levels. The revenues that are received by all levels of government go a long way to pay for and support other industries here. YES.. including "green" industries.
( Ok, I will step off my soap-box now )
