ABSTRACT
When we write ‘a low-carbon future for oil sands’, readers from outside the Canadian province of Alberta may ask incredulously whether this is actually possible. Oil sands have been widely derided as one of the most polluting and carbon intensive forms of oil production. Yet from the perspective of communities, policymakers and industry players in Alberta, such future could (and should) be a possibility. The oil sands have become a strong part of Alberta’s cultural identity. According to a range of stakeholders in Alberta, for now and possibly the next 50 years this sector is here to stay, given the current known conditions. Considering the divergent viewpoints that weigh the economic benefits and the environmental impact, most Albertans are leaning towards finding ways to include this sector in the transition towards a low-carbon global society. In order to achieve this goal, policies in Alberta and Canada need to truly unify the different worldviews that co-inhabit the region with equal participation. This vision could promote the co-development of action plans capable to effectively catalyse climate action and close the gap between policy design and implementation.
