TED: The true cost of oil | Garth Lenz

The video discusses Canada's boreal forest, highlighting its ecological and cultural importance. It addresses the threats posed by tar sands extraction, which leads to significant environmental damage and impacts indigenous communities. The video emphasizes the global implications of these activities, projecting future scenarios and urging collective action to protect the environment and promote clean energy solutions.

What is the significance of the George River Caribou herd mentioned in the context of Canada's boreal forest?

• It is the largest remaining wild Caribou herd in the world.

• It is the smallest Caribou herd in Canada.

• It is a domesticated herd used for farming.

• It is a fictional herd used in Canadian folklore.

How did the boreal forest influence Canadian art, according to the video?

• It was not mentioned in the context of art.

• It was the subject of many Canadian novels.

• It was used as a canvas for indigenous paintings.

• It inspired the Group of Seven, a famous Canadian art group.

What is the role of indigenous peoples in the context of the boreal forest?

• They are primarily involved in mining operations.

• They are new settlers in the region.

• They have lived sustainably in the ecosystem for over 10,000 years.

• They have no connection to the boreal forest.

What is the primary environmental concern associated with the Alberta tar sands?

• They are a source of renewable energy.

• They have no impact on the environment.

• They are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

• They are a small-scale mining operation.

Why is the boreal forest considered a critical defense against global warming?

• It is home to the most endangered species.

• It sequesters more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem.

• It is the largest desert in the world.

• It produces the most oil in Canada.

What are tailings ponds, as described in the video?

• Protected wetlands in Canada.

• Natural lakes found in the boreal forest.

• Large toxic impoundments created by tar sands operations.

• Small ponds used for fish farming.

What is the significance of the Peace Athabasca Delta mentioned in the video?

• It is the world's largest freshwater delta.

• It is a small pond in Alberta.

• It is a desert region in Canada.

• It is a man-made reservoir.

What is the potential impact of the proposed pipelines mentioned in the video?

• They will reduce carbon emissions significantly.

• They could disrupt ecosystems and promote fossil fuel dependency.

• They will create new wildlife habitats.

• They are expected to have no environmental impact.

What is the main argument against the expansion of tar sands operations?

• It will reduce Canada's carbon footprint.

• It will create more jobs in the region.

• It threatens ecosystems and increases carbon emissions.

• It is necessary for Canada's economic growth.

What is the call to action presented at the end of the video?

• To focus solely on economic growth.

• To ignore environmental concerns.

• To increase tar sands production.

• To oppose tar sands and support clean energy solutions.