People are naturally fascinated by news, and these days it seems an increasing amount of it involves new research results which add to, or sometimes contradict, previous findings on a subject.
Photo credit: iStockphoto
This is particularly true when it comes to health. Is alcohol bad for us in small quantities? Yes… no… maybe? Are running marathons really good for your body, or is a regular brisk walk adequate exercise for the middle-aged? Should you avoid coffee in the evening? Are vitamin supplements worth it? What is the next super food, and when will it be discredited? (Goji berries, anyone?)
The reason we pay attention to such studies is because they usually come from credible, trusted sources such as academics, who adhere to universal principles of scientific inquiry – unbiased collection and analysis of all the relevant data, followed by robust testing of possible hypotheses to rule out misinterpretations.
Oil sands region studied
The environment is another popular research area, much of it aimed at assessing the impacts of industrial activity on nature. One undertaking being closely studied in recent years is oil sands development.
Recent research, for example, looked at the state of some lakes in the oil sands production region. The reason why these sorts of studies are important is that they add to our understanding by contributing data and bringing to light new factors previously unconsidered.
That’s why some influential scientists now call our current geological era the Anthropocene – literally, the era whose world has been irrevocably altered and defined by humans.
The pursuit of comfort
In the end, there are impacts from resource extraction and all the activities involved in turning a raw material into something useful, like transportation fuel, building material or semiconductors. Products we all consume.
Environmental science helps us to understand and quantify these impacts. Whether its oil sands development or urban planning, societal expectations are ever-changing as we consistently weigh the economic, social and environmental impacts of each activity. This is a fact of life. And that’s why status quo is never an option when it comes to discussions about energy development.
Oil sands development is one activity where monitoring is being improved considerably, as we and our stakeholders strive to understand the environmental impacts. Stronger monitoring and continuing science-based research is most welcome, as it will help equip us with the data needed to make sensible decisions for the good of society.
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