Against all odds, Mario the character from Super Mario Bros can transport to great distances (and even worlds) instantly through pipelines without any negative impacts. Now looking back at reality, imagine a pipeline transporting oil from Canada to the United States but with many negative impacts. Coincidentally, there is a proposed 1,179 mile and 36-inch diameter pipeline which will bring crude oil from Alberta to the Gulf Coast, known as the Keystone XL Pipeline (“Keystone XL Pipeline Project”). If the Keystone XL Pipeline was built, it would have the capacity to transport approximately 830,000 barrels of crude oil per day to refineries in Oklahoma, Illinois and the Gulf Coast of Texas …show more content…
In the past, there have been many spills involving oil. For instance, during the year 2013, an oil spill in an Arkansas suburb resulted in the evacuation of 22 homes (CNN). As well as, thousands of oil had to go to waste and it almost affected the surrounding bodies of water (CNN). Even after the cleanup in the Arkansas suburb, a thick tar remained and residents worried if it would reach the bodies of water (CNN). Also, TransCanada’s other Keystone pipeline which carries oil to the U.S. Midwest, has experienced 14 spills, including the most recent situation, a spill at North Dakota pipeline pumping station in May 2011 (Minicucci). Oil spills and other faulty predicaments involving pipelines can potentially harm residents if the company is not cautious and careful. It can be assumed that from the number of oil spills in the last few years, another oil spill is bound to happen eventually. Additionally, it affects a group of Aboriginals in Canada known as the Cree people. The oil extraction process destroys the natural habitat and the way of life for the Cree people (Marshall). As well as, it destroys the lands causing the animals to run away and die quicker (Marshall). Therefore, the young generation of Cree people will not be granted the ability to experience what the older generation of Cree people did due to the oil extraction which reduces the food and resources. Not only …show more content…
The negative impacts of this project are too massive in which they dominate over the USA’s demand for crude oil and the benefits of the project. Moreover, Canada must keep sustainability in mind as a key factor because it is an aim to meet the needs of our generation while preserving the environment so that future generations can meet their needs. The Earth is diverse with species of people, animals and organisms that provide us with many important resources. Sustainability is an aim we must accomplish as a country to preserve the resources and environment we have for the upcoming generations. Building a pipeline will make it easy to bring resources to United States and deciding not to build the pipeline is basically sustaining those resources. Therefore as a community the Canadians must decide whether to sustain or share our gold-like resources (oil) with the rest of the world including the United