Lesson 5.2
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 Section 1 Lesson 2 Explore Assignment at this point.
Lesson 3 Intro
Lesson 3—Environmental Sustainability
What is the relationship between globalization, the environment, and sustainability?
Get Focused
There are views that globalization directly causes issues for the environment and threatens sustainability. Is this the only relationship between globalization and the environment? Is it possible that globalization could sustain a viable environment that would protect resources for future generations? Can you enjoy the benefits of economic globalization and do your part in sustaining the environment?
Notebook
This is a required activity to support Get Focused.
Record key ideas in your Notebook
Internet
Gather details about the current ecoAUTO Rebate Program offered by the Government of Canada. This program is no longer available but write a summary of it.
Research
What guides your first new car purchase?
- Identify the year, make, and model of the car you would purchase. The Internet has many car websites that can provide the information you need.
- In your Notebook explain what guided your choice.
- Post your comments on the discussion forum.