Lesson 5.2

Lesson 2

Lesson 2—Actions and Policies

Which actions and policies impact the environment?

Get Focused

In April 2008 Syncrude, a company that extracts oil from the oil sands in northern Alberta, announced that 500 migratory birds died after landing in a Syncrude tailings pond.

A tailings pond holds the leftover metal dust from mineral extractions. A pond is created by covering the metal dust with water to prevent the dust from becoming airborne. This allows the metals to settle to the bottom of the pond.

Tailings ponds were never intended for use by wildlife or people. Covers and noise equipment to prevent wildlife from entering the ponds are typically used. Syncrude had not activated the noise equipment that would have deterred the migratory birds from landing in this particular tailings pond. Exposure to the toxic pond was fatal to nearly all the birds that landed. Wildlife organizations were able to rescue less than five birds.

Syncrude was criticized by many for failing to prevent this disaster. Beyond the failure to ensure safety, Syncrude was also condemned for supporting the business of tar sands extractions over environmental sustainability. A company apology to the public was featured in the media along with the commitment to do better next time.

What relationship did this environmental disaster have with globalization?

Notebook

This is a required activity to support Get Focused but will not be graded.

In your Notebook record key ideas from Get Focused.

Internet

Investigate the business of Syncrude. Go to the Syncrude website. Compare its stated vision and values and its current report on environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Assignment

Please complete the Economic Growth or Sustaining the Environment? Assignment at this point.