As energy demand increases, it’s clear we need to find cleaner, more affordable, and more efficient ways to produce energy. What we don’t need? Outdated and dirty energy sources that are more polluting, less efficient, and worsen global warming—like tar sands.

Tar sands—also known as oil sands—are naturally-occurring mixtures of sand or clay, water, and bitumen, an extremely heavy form of petroleum. Large deposits of tar sands are found in Canada and Venezuela. Oil produced from tar sands is different from the oil that’s traditionally extracted through oil wells, and it has a much bigger impact on the climate and human health.

According to the Sierra Club, tar sands development produces four times the global warming pollution of conventional oil, and Native populations in Canada are already suffering from waste and pollution from existing tar sands mining. We need to focus on clean, modern sources of energy. Is this the direction we really want to go?

The most destructive project on Earth?

The Athabasca Oil Sands, located in northeastern Alberta, Canada, contain the second largest oil deposit in the world, behind Saudi Arabia. Environmental Defence, a Canadian organization that works to halt Canada’s global warming impact, has called the tar sands project the most destructive on Earth.

Alberta tar sands development will have drastic long-term effects—through water and land pollution, the deforestation of Canada’s Boreal forest, and increased health issues for Canadian residents, many of whom are First Nations members. Tar sands typically contain high volumes of dangerous gases and toxic waste. Communities like the Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations, who live downstream from the tar sands, are already experiencing abnormally high cancer rates, while fish in Lake Athabasca have been found with lumps, humpbacks, and crooked tails.

And it’s not an easy—or cheap—process. To produce just one barrel of oil from tar sands, approximately four tons of material need to be mined, and huge quantities of water and natural gas are required. Additionally, bringing this dirty fuel source to the United States requires increased infrastructure: new or upgraded pipelines, refineries, rail lines, and roads. So far, 31 crude pipeline projects and 13 new or expanded refineries have been proposed in the United States alone.

Promoting solutions

Tom Goldtooth, executive director of Bemidji-based Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN), has opposed tar sands development for years. IEN has launched a Canadian Indigenous Tar Sands Campaign to work with citizens and environmental organizations who oppose tar sands expansion and development.

Much of the fuel produced from the Alberta tar sands will be used by the United States. “The United States is addicted to energy and this is tied to its over consumption of Mother Earth’s resources,” said Goldtooth. He says that we should always be mindful of the bigger picture. “The question of how the tar sands development affects our Native communities, people of color, and all citizens in Minnesota must be looked at from a larger lens.”

More people in Minnesota, especially people of color, need to learn about the drawbacks and dangers of using this fuel source and then get involved. “Native people and elected tribal leaders must get involved in this issue and say no to tar sands and pipeline developments,” said Goldtooth. “In months ahead, Minnesotans will hear more about these tar sands.”

Goldtooth believes the development of tar sands can still be stopped. Minnesotans should contact the governor’s office and tell Governor Pawlenty that instead of focusing on polluting fossil fuels like tar sands, our efforts should instead be focused on developing clean, renewable sources of energy.

As energy demand increases, it’s clear we need to find cleaner, more affordable, and more efficient ways to produce energy.