Summary:
Tar sands are a form of heavy unrefined oil that requires additional chemicals in order for it to be diluted into a more usable form. The harmful effects of harnessing tar sands is demonstrated in Athabasca, Canada. The water pollution from this process has resulted in sick animals, deformed fish, damaged landscapes, and cancer among families living near the site. Now, ExxonMobil wants to make South Portland a shipping port for tar sands. They plan to put oil pump stations near neighborhoods, schools, and community centers; 70-foot smokestacks on Pier 2 near Bug light Park and SMCC; and export the tar sands through Casco Bay. On November 5th, South Portland will be voting on whether to pass the Waterfront Protection Ordinance or not. If the ordinance is passed, ExxonMobil's plan will be prevented because it calls for the blocking of new oil infrastructure.
Quote (referring to the tar sands industry):
"Am I proud of this industry? You bet. It's a world leader. We just need to make it better. But I don't take lessons...from the National Geographic." - Michael Ignatieff [x]
Personal Thoughts:
This time I didn't pick my favorite or most inspiring quote, I picked one that made me a little shocked and irritated. This quote shows how people don't respect organizations like National Geographic, which is actually highly educational and scientific, because it promotes environmental conservation. Although, this is no surprise because the people who support tar sands must care more about profit than the health of society and nature. Since I am mostly surrounded by people who are in favor of sustainability and conservation, I forget how much the real world favors profit more than out Earth. So I picked a bad quote this time because it's a dim reminder of the people we are against...also I couldn't find an inspiring quote sorry.
I think this quote represents the people against the Ordinance and the environment well. It is sad that so many people just don't care and don't realize what they are doing to the earth. It is true that they care more about money, and aren't thinking about our future planet.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people don't respect organizations like National Geographic. There's really no reason for it, even if people have different beliefs and ideas, we need to think together in order to find the best way to help our planet. Also, some people aren't as well informed of the topics and create opinions solely on what they've head or what they think is the right opinion and I don't think that is good.
ReplyDelete