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Chapter Summary
The emphasis of this chapter is on non-renewable (stock) resources, which take millions of years to form. The chapter begins with a discussion of some framing issues and questions regarding non-renewable sources, basic information about non-renewable resources in Canada, and the significance of potash and coal to Canada. The following sections examine how science has been incorporated into initiatives to remediate landscape degradation associated with mineral extraction and how it has been used in understanding and mitigating environmental impacts when a new mining venture is being designed. The development of diamond mines in Canada is introduced with a focus on the Ekati Mine in the Northwest Territories, particularly in terms of the environmental, economic, and social contexts, assembling data related to environmental impacts, and the environmental assessment process. Mining activity often generates conflicts relative to other land uses and this is illustrated by using the Ring of Fire as an example.
The chapter then considers the role of science in exploring alternatives to fossil fuel energy sources. Energy resources are discussed, as well as energy use and issues in Canada. Attention on energy focuses on both renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar power, and non-renewable resources such as offshore petroleum, the Athabasca oil sands, natural gas, coal, uranium, and nuclear power. Sustainable energy pathways are examined as well as the current state of monitoring environmental impacts of mining in Canada. The chapter concludes with some actions that individuals can take to reduce the impacts related to energy production through reduced energy use.
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
- Describe the characteristics of non-renewable resources relative to the renewable resources discussed in previous chapters
- Explain the significance of minerals and energy for Canada
- Discuss the management issues associated with non-renewable resources in general, and minerals and energy in particular
- Assess the relative importance of different minerals for the Canadian mining industry as well as Canada’s importance in the global mining trade
- Discuss how science is used in environmental assessments
- Explain how energy resources can be both renewable and non-renewable
- Describe the potential of alternative, renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar
- Explain the significance of non-renewable energy resources, including offshore petroleum and natural gas, the Athabasca oil sands, and nuclear power
- Identify what you can do to have a lighter “footprint” related to use of minerals and energy