Kiera Jefferson
Canada is one of the top 10 global polluters, with a population of approximately 38 million. Canada's emissions are largely attributed to the extraction and refining of fossil fuels for export, rather than domestic energy needs. The country's oil sands, built on lands once home to Indigenous communities, are a significant contributor to water pollution, releasing toxic pollutants such as arsenic, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into freshwater resources. These pollutants have been found in the flesh of local wildlife, and have also contributed to acid rain and high levels of metals in water. In addition to water pollution, Canada's emissions contribute to air pollution, with industrial and vehicle emissions, agriculture, construction, wood burning, and energy production all playing a role. The health effects of these pollutants include respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and in some cases, premature death. While Canada has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the country continues to face challenges in reducing its environmental impact, with mining and deforestation also posing significant threats to the planet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Canada's rank in global emissions | 10th |
| Canada's population | 38 million |
| Canada's share of global carbon emissions | 2.6% |
| Canada's total carbon emissions since 1850 | 65.5 billion tonnes |
| Canada's fossil fuel emissions since 1850 | 34.2 billion tonnes |
| Canada's land use and deforestation emissions since 1850 | 31.3 billion tonnes |
| Upstream oil and gas emissions as a percentage of total nominal emissions | 26% |
| Number of fires in Canada each year | Over 8,000 |
| Average area burned by fires in Canada each year | 2.1 million hectares |
| Percentage of Canadian deaths attributable to pollution in 2015 | 5.3% |
| Economic cost of air pollution in Canada | $120 billion per year |
| Percentage of Alberta forest soils over their acid-carrying capacity | 12% |
| Volume of oil sands wastewater spilled into the Athabasca River in 2007 | 9.8 million liters |
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What You'll Learn
Canada is one of the worst polluters on the planet
Canada, a country with a population of roughly 38 million, is one of the worst polluters on the planet. It is responsible for 2.6% of the world's total carbon emissions, ranking 10th in the world. On a per-capita basis, Canada is either the worst or the second-worst polluter, depending on how it is calculated. From 1850 to 2021, the country emitted 65.5 billion tonnes of carbon, with 34.2 billion tonnes related to fossil fuel use and 31.3 billion tonnes related to land use and deforestation.
Canada's high carbon emissions are driven by its significant oil production and export. Upstream oil and gas is the highest emitting sector in the country, contributing 26% of total nominal emissions. Oil sand extraction, a major economic sector in Canada, emits up to three times more pollution than producing the same quantity of conventional crude oil. It also contributes to water pollution, releasing toxic pollutants such as arsenic, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into freshwater resources and creating giant ponds of toxic waste. Oil refinery sites, particularly those in Alberta, are among the top polluters of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a major air contaminant. Acid deposition caused by oil production leads to soil degradation, harming sensitive biota and flora.
In addition to oil production, other human activities contribute to Canada's air pollution levels. Industrial and vehicle emissions, agriculture, construction, wood burning, and energy production are all significant sources of air pollution in the country. Air pollutants such as sulphur oxides (SOX), nitrogen oxides (NOX), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH3), carbon monoxide (CO), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Exposure to PM2.5 and ground-level ozone (O3) can result in increased medical care, decreased quality of life, and a higher risk of premature death, imposing significant economic costs on the country.
Canada's actions have global consequences, particularly in the Arctic. Arctic waters have become increasingly polluted, with lead levels exceeding Canadian guidelines. Waste and litter, particularly plastic items and bags, from Canadian coastal communities and the rest of the world, contribute significantly to Arctic pollution. As the Arctic lacks the necessary infrastructure to manage waste effectively, this region is at risk of even greater pollution in the future.
The pollution in Canada has severe impacts on the health and well-being of Canadians. It is estimated that pollution costs Canadian families, businesses, and governments tens of billions of dollars annually. The health effects of pollution, including exposure to particulate matter and carcinogens, lead to higher medical expenses, reduced productivity, and premature deaths. Additionally, pollution has disrupted the traditional lifestyles of Aboriginal peoples, resulting in rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
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Oil sand pollution has increased by 20% since 2009
Oil sands are among the most carbon-intensive crude oil operations in North America. They generate 2.2 times more emissions per barrel than the average crude extracted in North America. The oil and gas sector is the largest source of emissions in Canada.
Oil sand operations are emitting between 20 and 64 times more air pollution than previously reported. This is according to a 2024 study by researchers from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Yale University. The study found that the total amount of air pollution released from the oil sands is equal to all other human-caused air pollution sources in Canada combined.
The study used aircraft-based sensors that captured real-time readings for a much wider range of pollutants than are usually measured by the oil sands industry. The findings underscore how current methods of measuring oil sands air pollutants are grossly underestimating emissions.
Oil sand pollution has serious health and environmental impacts. The air pollution emitted from the oil sands contains numerous compounds, including benzene, nitrous oxides, and others, which are carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and are associated with numerous other health impacts. These toxic compounds can also react in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of fine particulates harmful to health.
Oil sand extraction is also associated with water pollution, as it releases toxic pollutants into freshwater resources and creates giant ponds of toxic waste. A report released in 2014 revealed alarming quantities of toxic pollutants in the flesh of animals in the region.
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Air pollution is caused by industrial and vehicle emissions
Air pollution is a pressing issue in Canada, with a range of human activities contributing to the degradation of air quality. Industrial emissions and vehicle emissions are significant factors in this regard.
Canada's commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is commendable, but the nation still faces challenges in reducing air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions. The oil and gas industry, for instance, is a major contributor to nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Between 1990 and 2023, the sector's NOx emissions increased by 31%, amounting to 108 kilotonnes. This is particularly concerning given the health implications of NOx exposure, which include respiratory issues and the exacerbation of asthma and cardiovascular diseases.
Vehicle emissions also play a significant role in air pollution. The transportation sector, including road, rail, air, and marine vehicles, accounted for 25% of total national NOx emissions in 2023. However, it is important to note that the transportation sector has made notable progress in reducing emissions, with a 66% decrease in NOx emissions between 1990 and 2023. This reduction is attributed to the introduction of cleaner technologies and fuels, as well as the adoption of more sustainable practices, such as using public transportation and carpooling.
Other industrial sources of air pollution include power plants, off-road vehicles, mobile equipment, and the production of paints and solvents. These activities release a range of pollutants, including sulphur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH3), carbon monoxide (CO), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The health impacts of these pollutants are significant, with PM2.5 exposure linked to 5.3% of Canadian deaths attributable to pollution in 2015.
To address these issues, the Government of Canada has implemented several measures. These include regulations to phase out coal-fired electricity, stringent emission standards for new cars and light trucks, and incentives for industries to invest in cleaner technologies. Additionally, the Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations introduced in 2016 established mandatory national air pollutant emission standards for major industrial facilities. Canadians are also encouraged to make environmentally conscious choices, such as selecting more sustainable transportation options and reducing energy consumption.
Overall, while Canada faces challenges in reducing air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions, there is ongoing progress and a commitment to improve air quality and protect the health and well-being of Canadians.
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Soil degradation in biologically sensitive forests
Canada is home to 28% of the world's boreal forests, which are biologically sensitive ecosystems. These forests are becoming increasingly vulnerable to wildfires due to global warming, with over 8,000 fires occurring in Canada each year, burning an average of 2.1 million hectares. Forest fires result in a decline in plant diversity, damage to fire-resistant trees, animal displacement, and accelerated melting of boreal permafrost, releasing methane, a potent planet-warming gas.
While Canada has made notable progress in reducing deforestation, the issue of forest degradation, particularly in the boreal forests, remains a hidden ecological crisis. Forest degradation refers to changes in forest conditions after disturbances, such as clearcutting, that result in a loss of overall biomass, species diversity, and soil degradation. Aggressive clearcutting of Canada's boreal forests has left behind vast areas of degraded land, inhibiting the return of healthy forest ecosystems.
Additionally, climate change impacts soil processes in forest ecosystems, affecting soil biological communities, nutrient cycling, and organic matter decomposition. Soil degradation can also undermine the boreal forest's ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in soils, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
To address soil degradation in biologically sensitive forests, Canada must acknowledge the issue and take decisive action. This includes implementing sustainable forest management practices, protecting soil health, and promoting forest regeneration. By integrating Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific understanding of forest degradation, Canada can develop effective policies and frameworks to halt and reverse soil degradation by its target year of 2030.
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Pollution is causing health issues for Canadians
Canada is a top global producer of 14 mined substances, including potash, uranium, platinum, and gold. Mining has contributed to forest loss, freshwater contamination, and soil degradation. Soil degradation, in particular, can harm the pH of the soil, causing stress to ecologically sensitive biota and flora.
Canada's oil sands, which have been built on lands once home to Indigenous communities, have been found to contain alarming quantities of toxic pollutants, including arsenic, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These pollutants have been found in the flesh of local wildlife, including moose, ducks, and muskrats. Furthermore, the increasing acidity of water bodies due to acid deposition can convert mercury into its more toxic form, methylmercury, which can accumulate in fish and shellfish and be ingested by humans and wildlife.
Air pollution in Canada is caused by industrial and vehicle emissions, agriculture, construction, wood burning, and energy production. Upstream oil and gas is the highest emitting sector in Canada, contributing to the emission of harmful pollutants such as sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter. These pollutants can have adverse health effects, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of cancer.
The health impacts of air pollution in Canada are significant, with an estimated economic cost of $120 billion per year. These impacts include lost productivity, increased need for medical care, decreased quality of life, and an increased risk of premature death. Vulnerable populations, including the poor, women, children, and Indigenous peoples, are disproportionately affected by pollution in Canada.
In addition to the direct health impacts, pollution also affects traditional diets and lifestyles, particularly in Indigenous communities. The disruption of traditional diets has been associated with rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Overall, pollution is a pressing issue in Canada, impacting the health and well-being of Canadians and requiring urgent attention and action from policymakers and industry leaders.
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