Risk blindness in local perspectives about the Alberta oil sands hinders Canada's decarbonization
OPEN ACCESS
Loading...
Author / Producer
Date
2021-09
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
Local perspectives can conflict with national and international climate targets. This study explores three stakeholder (community, provincial, and federal) perspectives on the Alberta oil sands as risks for a sustainability transition in Canada. In an ex-post analysis, we compared outputs from stakeholder consultations and energy-economy models. Our research shows that different local stakeholders groups disregarded some policy risks for the Alberta oil sands and Canadian energy transition. These stakeholders expected the sector to grow, despite increasing environmental penalties and external market pressures. The study revealed that blind-spots on risks, or “risk blindness”, increased as stakeholders became less certain about policy climate goals. We argue that “risk blindness” could be amplified by dominant institutional narratives that contradict scientific research and international climate policy. Strategies that integrate local narratives, considered as marginalized, provide perspectives beyond emission reductions and are essential for meeting climate targets while supporting a just transition.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
40
Pages / Article No.
569 - 585
Publisher
Elsevier
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Energy transition; Risk and uncertainties; Risk blindness; Ggreenhouse gas emissions; Oil sands; Stranded assets
Organisational unit
09451 - Patt, Anthony G. / Patt, Anthony G.