ENVS 4421: Critical Thinking Assignment
The oil and gas industry in Alberta is an important driver of the provincial and federal
economies. Alberta’s oil sands contain the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world, next to
Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. The Albertan oil and gas industry creates thousands of jobs and
generates billions of dollars in revenues. However, oil and gas extraction and the use of oil and
gas products have significant environmental impacts.
Using peer-reviewed, government, and news sources, present three arguments:
1) Alberta should continue to extract oil and gas and explore for new reserves, ensuring the
possibility of extraction far into the future.
2) Alberta should continue to extract oil and gas only until the current reserves have been
depleted (i.e., no additional exploration).
3) Alberta should shift away from oil and gas extraction immediately, leaving known oil and
gas in the ground.
Provide a concluding paragraph in which you present your own opinion on the issue with
supporting arguments.
In your response, consider both local (i.e., Alberta) and global economic, social, and
environmental factors. Consider global supply chains and resource management outside of
Canada. How would these areas be affected by long-term production of Alberta oil and gas?
How would these areas be affected by an immediate cessation of Alberta oil and gas production?
You will be evaluated on your critical thinking skills, the depth of your understanding of the
issues, and your ability to clearly present all arguments. I should not be able to determine your
position on this topic until I read your concluding paragraph.
Submit this assignment through D2L by April 20 at 11:59 PM MDT. Be sure to include your
references (properly formatted). This assignment should be 4–6 pages (not including references),
double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. Figures are not required but may be used to
support your arguments.
