A Patch of Green: Canada's Oilpatch Makes Peace with the Environment

Richard G. Kuhn is an associate professor of geography at the University
of Guelph.

Much has been written about the purported evils of the petroleum
industry. In Canada, much of this criticism has focused on the poor
environmental record of the companies resulting from drilling and
refining oil and natural gas. Recent attacks on the industry centre on
the implications of its activities on global warming, both as a result
of extracting the resource (oil sands development, natural gas wells)
and as a result of consumer use of petroleum products. A further layer
of controversy for the industry has revolved around Wiebo Ludwig and his
allegations that he and his family experienced harm as a result of
energy projects close to his property in the Peace River area. This
controversy is presented in a welcome detailed review of the events from
a perspective other than that presented in the mass media.

The central tenet of Sharpe’s book is the contention that the
petroleum industry in Canada has changed its ways. Although the industry
was once guilty of the “drill fast, pump profits and leave quickly”
philosophy, a new direction has emerged. Sharpe puts forward the case
that we are in the nascent era of a corporate code of conduct that
respects the environment.

Through a series of case studies and detailed interviews with industry
officials, environmental group representatives, and members of the
public, Sharpe presents an insightful account of recent changes and
events in the oilpatch. The focus on past behaviors, new policies,
technological innovations, and the new corporate culture is engaging,
for the most part. The constant reliance on interviews, many of which
are cited at length, is useful in that we are given insiders’ accounts
of events. However, this style of presentation is a bit wearing after
200 pages.