What led to the fires in Alberta?
The reason, according to studies, is CO2 emissions.
Canada has long been on the path of "greening" the economy. "Clean industries" are being created, officials invite specialists from other countries and companies refuse to use harmful fuels.
But the unfolding fires in Alberta, and now Saskatchewan and British Columbia, have prompted scientists to study these regions. The conclusion is disappointing: there are 88 major fossil fuel industries in this region.
"What we found is that the emissions from these companies have dramatically increased wildfire activity," said Carly Phillips, co-author on the study and a researcher at the Science Hub for Climate Litigation at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Of course, it would not have been possible to do the study everything right now so quickly. The results are based on previous studies, which take into account the 88 companies that are located in the region.
Unfortunately, the activity of these industries has revealed that the companies' emissions have resulted in the eliminating of an additional 80,000 square kilometers. To imagine how much that really is, just look up Ireland on a map. This British archipelago country is less than 80,000. Iff you take Germany twice it is also less.
Fuel producers participated in discussion
"While our view may differ from the group who produced the study, what we can agree on is the need for continued work towards driving down greenhouse gas emissions," said Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers spokesperson Jay Averill.
He also said that the industry is investing heavily in innovations to reduce emissions.
Despite the disappointing conclusions, Canada has worked hard to address environmental issues. Recent initiatives easily include sharing experiences with experts from Sweden, producing components for electric cars and refuse to using harmful fuel.
