Oil Sands Expansion and Kinder Morgan: The Emissions Implications

If we continue to expand oil sands output as currently projected, annual emissions in that industry will be about 44 million tonnes (Mt) higher by 2030 than they were in 2015.

This essay looks at the question of whether this 44 Mt increase can be reconciled with Canada’s commitment to reduce our total emissions 30% by 2030 below the 2005 level, down to 523 Mt. Under current policies, the total is expected to be 722 Mt by 2030. To meet the target, cuts of 200 Mt will have to be achieved within the next decade.