Scientific experts agree that the Mackenzie River in northern Canada plays a crucial role in regulating Canada's temperatures and saving the country from the ravages of climate change. So why are oil sands extractors being permitted to pollute it?
Resarch shows substantial levels of mercury, lead, and arsenic in rivers that feed the Mackenzie. This pollution can be traced directly to the mining of oil sands.
Meanwhile, the Mackenzie is losing its ice cover. Once too much of the river's ice is lost, it can never be recovered. This would then lead to damaged ocean currents and dangerous climate swings.
Berkeley-based economist Henry Vaux, who led a panel of experts in conducting an assessment of the risks to the Mackenzie Basin, says the river needs to be better monitored and protected. The effects of climate change are harmful enough without adding oil sands pollution into the mix. Tell Canada's Parliament to prioritize protection of the Mackenzie!
We the undersigned are alarmed to hear that oil sands extraction is harming Canada's longest river, the Mackenzie.
The Mackenzie has an august role in the history of Canadian exploration. Even more importantly, it plays an important role in regulating global temperatures and protecting all of us from the terrible storms and temperature extremes that will accompany further climate change. This river is important not only to Canada, but to the entire planet.
Please impose laws and regulations that will guarantee the safety of the Mackenzie and prevent the loss of its important ice cover.
