Canada oil sands CO2 emissions hugely underestimated: Study

Canada's oil sands CO2 emissions are significantly higher than indicated by industry data collected using internationally recommended methods, according to a study. Environment Canada scientists flying over the region took atmospheric measurements and found CO2 emission intensities up to 123 percent higher than current estimates. Their findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.

"This leads to 64 percent higher annual GHG emissions from surface mining operations, and 30 percent higher overall oil sands GHG emissions (17 Mt) compared to that reported by industry, despite emissions reporting which uses the most up to date and recommended bottom-up approaches," said the study, referring to greenhouse gases.

The current method of calculating emissions uses a combination of ground measurements based on fuel usage and mathematical modelling.

This includes emissions from mining, processing, upgrading and tailings ponds.

Because similar reporting methods are used across the entire oil and gas sector, the scientists concluded that all oil and gas CO2 emissions data "may be more uncertain than previously considered." It also throws a wrench in the government's climate strategy. Canada agreed under the Paris agreement to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2030, from to 2005 levels.

The vast oil region in northern Alberta contains the world's third-largest oil reserve and is the single largest polluter in the country. Despite shedding jobs and struggling with low oil prices over the past four years, the sector remains a top economic contributor.