Mackenzie River - Industry: How will exploitation of the Athabasca tar sands affect the downstream parts of the Athabasca/Mackenzie River system?

The effects of high toxic level extends beyond our animal community to the creator and entity responsible to solve the problem human life

Poisoning people and animal life is on rise . The poisoning results from high toxic level witnessed do not only affect aquatic and wildlife , but they also extend the poisoning to the humans leaving downstream . In fact , the communities that live downstream who use this contaminated water are observed to exhibit unusual cancer cluster (Patrick and Globe 2006 . For instance , Patrick and Globe (2006 ) reports that Fort Chipewyan region

has reported high prevalence of cancer incidences that is projected to rise beyond unacceptable rate of 1 per 100 ,000 . This projection in rise is accrued to raising levels of mercury , and arsenic polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs . Moreover , downstream aboriginal populations are experiencing increased cardiovascular problems , rare cancers and respiratory diseases . Devastating impacts Poisoning is not only limited to the human life , but also extends to the atmosphere

Climatic impacts are evident . There is an observable climate changes which is exacerbated by carbon dioxide and methane released from oil sand exploitation . As a result , this account for the largest single source of growth of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada with estimates showing that existing oil sands plants burning of natural gases release 80 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually (The Pembina Institute , 2005 . As a consequence of climatic impact , there is an exceedingly lower flow of the Athabasca River which is catalyzed by increased water withdrawals by developing new oil sands project . Yet , it is common ecological wisdom that instream flow needs are critical for protecting downstream ecosystems even the Peace Athabasca Delta and communities who depend on fishing , trapping and hunting . The greater impact for the future generation that is worth consideration is the projection that...