When I set out from Edmonton I thought I had a pretty good idea about what I wanted to get out of my experience at UVa. I was excited about the possibility of pursuing my interest in whale conservation, and getting the opportunity to rekindle my marine biologist interest...
And then something changed...
I guess I never really realized how much I actually care about Alberta. Since I have been down here, I have been literally captivated by the oil sands developments. Dr. Schindler's water quality report. The end of the duck trial. The first remediated tailings pond. The Alberta Environment independent assessment currently being implemented. And of course todays deja vu...
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Duck+death+toll+mounts+Syncrude+tailings+pond/3728911/story.html
I get it, I really do, and at the root of it all I am just as blameworthy as every other regular joe and average jane. I like a heated house, a full tank of gas, the occasional road trip, the occasional jet ride, air conditioning (especially down here in hot and humid Virginia), and this list could go on and on... the difference is that I am convinced that there has to be a better way. It has to be possible to develop fuel without creating toxic tailings ponds that can be seen from space, and there has to be a better way to develop our province, which is so fortunately positioned and has such great natural beauty.
Whale conservation remains one of the great challenges for the international community moving forward in the 21st century. But, I am starting to recognize that Alberta might be, as well.
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