Question

What are some of the environmental concerns associated with the Athabasca Tar Sands:

a. Increase in greenhouse gas emissions
b. Waste from tailing ponds
c. Affect wildlife habitat
d. Risk of health effects to citizens in cases of major spills
e. All of the above

Answer 1

The environmental concerns associated with the Athabasca Tar Sands include an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, waste from tailing ponds, the affect on wildlife habitat, and the risk of health effects to citizens in cases of major spills.

Step-by-step explanation:

The environmental concerns associated with the Athabasca Tar Sands include:

1. Increase in greenhouse gas emissions: The extraction and processing of tar sands releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
2. Waste from tailing ponds: The extraction process creates large tailing ponds that contain toxic waste, including heavy metals and chemicals, which can contaminate nearby water sources.
3. Affect wildlife habitat: The destruction of land and disturbance caused by tar sands extraction can disrupt and destroy wildlife habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity.
4. Risk of health effects to citizens in cases of major spills: In the event of a major spill or leak, the release of toxic substances from the tar sands can pose risks to the health of nearby communities.

Therefore, the correct answer is e. All of the above.