Why should there be such a ideological war in the topic of tar sands and shale gas exploitation? Oil provides a lifestyle that many cultures have become quite comfortable living. But what happens if we tip the balance of the environment to the point that it can no longer support not only our life style, but also our life and that of all life on earth? No one can “bail out” humanity from mistakes made by those seeking only profits, without proper research and consideration of the overall impact of their work.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, author and linguist Noam Chomsky calls on us to consider how we can benefit from saving the environment, and challenges us to accept the mission as the indigenous peoples in Canada blocking fossil fuel developments are taking the lead in combating climate change, he said.

Despite opposition from concerned citizens, pipeline building has become all the rage in the oil industry. The populace is told the oil will help lesson foreign dependency and improve the economy. Why then, do all the pipelines run to ocean ports for shipment to world markets? We are told the pipelines will be safe, yet leaks in existing lines continue to rupture while the news media pays little attention. We are told there is no need for concern once these lines start flowing, yet the actual contents of the pipelines are closely guarded “proprietary” information.

How much can the planet take?

How much can you stop taking?