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  • Essay / Causes of Water Pollution in Canada - 1837

    What are some of the main causes of water pollution in Canada and what progress has Canada made in combating water pollution water? Provide an indication of the severity of air pollution in Canada. Water pollution is not a major problem nationally, although it may be a cause for concern in some localities. The main causes of water pollution in Canada include acid rain, groundwater contamination and impure wastewater. As previously noted, Alberta's tar sands are expected to cause increasing levels of acid rain, which will certainly lead to increased water contamination in the region. Acid rain will lead to increased acidification of Canada's lakes and rivers. In addition to contributing to acid rain and high levels of metals in water, oil production sites can also cause significant damage from human error and runoff. A prominent example is the 2007 case involving the Athabasca River. Due to human fault, energy magnate Suncor dumped 9.8 million liters of tar sands wastewater into the river, causing adverse effects on people and wildlife in the area.[ 5] The Athabasca River can also be used as an example of oil sands runoff. In addition to contributing to acid rain and high levels of metals in water, oil production sites can also cause significant damage from human fault and runoff. A prominent example is the 2007 case involving the Athabasca River. Due to human fault, energy magnate Suncor dumped 9.8 million liters of tar sands wastewater into the river, causing adverse effects on people and wildlife in the area.[ 5] The Athabasca River can also be used as an example of oil sands runoff. In Canada, all three levels of government (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal) have roles and responsibilities in freshwater management. The...... middle of paper ......ng powers and can therefore be implemented in just a few months. In theory, the same is true for cap-and-trade systems, but in practice they tend to be much more complex. It takes longer to develop the necessary regulations, and they are more susceptible to lobbying and loopholes. Cap-and-trade also requires the creation of an emissions trading market. A groundbreaking study shows that Canada's economy can still grow by nearly 20 percent over the next decade, while the country dramatically reduces its greenhouse gas pollution by about half. The study shows that Canada could take decisive action while still benefiting from strong net job growth and other economic benefits. By 2020, Canadians would save more than $5.5 billion each year at the gas pump thanks to more efficient vehicles, more public transportation and shorter commutes. (http://www.davidsuzuki.org)