We’re hardly short of media articles about the oil sands these days. However when one of the world’s leading current affairs publications, The Economist, weighs in on the topic, we have no choice but to stop and pay attention.
In a feature article entitled, “Canada’s tar sands: Muck and Brass” (for the non-Brits, brass is slang for money), this typically insightful and articulate magazine has presented the pros and cons of oil sands development. And we think it’s well worth everyone’s time reading it, for three reasons:
1. Of the many articles produced to date on the subject, this is one that clearly and concisely presents the main issues and arguments;
2 It’s comprehensive, running the issues gamut from water use, climate change, and tax revenue-sharing; to China, pipelines, the ’ethical oil” argument, and North American energy security;
3. It brings balance and perspective, weighing what works and what needs improvement. It does not skimp on criticism, some of which highlights areas where we need to improve performance.
We recommend The Economist article to everyone who wants to see the bigger picture undistorted by the clamor of competing interests. We hope that you will read it and also share it in its entirety – and not only because it quotes our own president and CEO Rick George.
1. Of the many articles produced to date on the subject, this is one that clearly and concisely presents the main issues and arguments;
2 It’s comprehensive, running the issues gamut from water use, climate change, and tax revenue-sharing; to China, pipelines, the ’ethical oil” argument, and North American energy security;
3. It brings balance and perspective, weighing what works and what needs improvement. It does not skimp on criticism, some of which highlights areas where we need to improve performance.
We recommend The Economist article to everyone who wants to see the bigger picture undistorted by the clamor of competing interests. We hope that you will read it and also share it in its entirety – and not only because it quotes our own president and CEO Rick George.
