Tar sands to be labelled 'highly polluting'

Canada has threatened that European Union moves to label tar sands as 'highly polluting' could spark a trade war across the Atlantic, it has been reported by the Guardian.

Canada fears that the EU plans would set a global precedent, making it difficult for the country to export its tar sands, which are the biggest fossil fuel reserve in the world after Saudi Arabia. However, environmental groups maintain that the 'oil sands' could be catastrophic for the global climate, and could have adverse effects on air and water pollution in Alberta.

Canada has come under significant pressure recently for industry lobbying and 'muzzling' its scientists. Speakers at a major science meeting in Canada said communication of vital research on health and environment issues is being suppressed.

Prof Thomas Pedersen, a senior scientist at the University of Victoria, said: "The prime minister (Stephen Harper) is keen to keep control of the message; I think to ensure that the government won't be embarrassed by scientific findings of its scientists that run counter to sound environmental stewardship."

Posted by Claire Manning