A group of scientists and academics have jumped on board calls for a moratorium on new oilsands projects until carbon emissions are brought under control. A letter has been sent by the group that argues any new projects in the oilsands area should not be allowed to move forward until plans are in place to ensure that carbon emissions will be curtailed and that wildlife, human health, and treaty rights are protected. According to one part of the letter “Decisions about the development of the vast oil sands deposits in Alberta and elsewhere in North America are among the biggest we face as Canadians and Americans.” Over 100 scientists from several countries signed the letter, including those from Canada, the USA, the U.K., and Australia.

In the letter requesting a moratorium on new oilsands projects unless certain steps are taken there are 10 reasons listed that justify taking this step. Five of the scientists who signed the letter are Order of Canada members. The letter is also critical of the reclamation pace for the industry, the management of pollution, and even the track record the industry has when it comes to consulting with aboriginal groups who may be impacted by a project. In the letter the current monitoring plans and programs are touched on, but the signers believe that current programs and measures are seldom enforced and inadequate. Some of the more well known signers of the letter include University of Alberta biologist Suzanne Bayley, Canada research chair holder in climate change Shawn Marshall, and University of Alberta researcher David Schindler.