New federal research suggests greenhouse gas emissions from Alberta's oilsands may be significantly higher than industry reports.
published Tuesday, Environment Canada scientists say four major oilsands mines are releasing an average of about one-third more carbon dioxide per barrel of oil than they report -- a crucial number used for everything from determining national emissions levels to calculating carbon tax.
Until now, all carbon dioxide emission estimates from the oilsands have been based on a combination of some ground measurement and a great deal of mathematical modelling -- so-called bottom-up estimation. "There's still more work to be done," Liggio said. "But I will say there are many, many studies using top-down approaches which have also shown that top-down are generally higher."
Liggio defends his work, saying that measuring emissions against oil production evens out sudden spikes resulting from higher output.He said his team is currently analyzing data from similar overflights conducted to measure oilsands emissions in two different seasons."Generally, industry was positive and supportive. They do want to work together to get to the bottom of where the discrepancies are coming from.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New U.S. trade report predicts modest economic gains from new NAFTAWith Washington riveted to the Mueller report, a comprehensive economic assessment of the new North American free trade deal quietly emerged Thursday, predicting less-than-stellar economic gains for the United States.
Read more »
Environment charities may benefit from new Alberta premier's vow to fight themAlberta's incoming premier plans to take on environmental charities that he says are blocking exports of the province's oil, but those groups may be saying 'bring it on.'
Read more »
Fought to unite Alberta conservatives: Jason Kenney voted Alberta's new premierAfter defeating NDP's Rachel Notley, UCP leader Jason Kenney takes his fight to Ottawa as Alberta's 18th premier. He has promised to challenge the federal government on everything from the carbon tax to proposed energy regulations and equalization payments.
Read more »
‘The strongest opposition we’ve seen’: New Democrats’ reign in Alberta is far from overIn her concession speech, Notley, widely acknowledged to be the party’s strongest asset, vowed to stay on as leader and sounded ready to raise hell from across the aisle
Read more »
If Alberta turns off the taps, B.C. won’t be the only victimNew government in Alberta will take a breath before acting on campaign threat
Read more »
A new vote projection points to a historic Green win in P.E.I. - Macleans.caPhilippe J. Fournier: Uncertainty remains high but a simplified 338 electoral model puts the Green Party just above the threshold for a majority win
Read more »
Green party Leader Elizabeth May, new husband tie the knot at eco-friendly Earth Day weddingMay married John Kidder, a retired technology entrepreneur and long-time Green party member. Kidder is the brother of the late actress Margot Kidder
Read more »
Mint Marks Gay Rights History With New Loonie, But Not All Are Buying ItNew coin to mark '50 years of progress for LGBTQ2 Canadians,' Royal Canadian Mint says
Read more »
Columbine survivors face new pain sending kids to schoolTwenty years after teenage gunmen attacked Columbine High School, Ruegsegger Johnson and other alumni of the Littleton, Colorado, school have become parents.
Read more »
Court orders lobbying czar to take new look at Aga Khan's vacation gift to PMThe Aga Khan, a billionaire philanthropist, had allowed Justin Trudeau and his family to stay on his private Caribbean island.
Read more »