Desmond Tutu calls oil sands ‘filth’ at Alberta conference – bnn.ca

South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu has described Alberta’s oil sands as “filth,” saying its production is a result of “negligence and greed.”

Tutu was the keynote speaker on Saturday at a conference in Fort McMurray, Alta., focused on oilsands development and aboriginal treaty rights. The 82-year-old — who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the battle against apartheid in South Africa — spoke to a room of about 200 people, including First Nations members.

“The fact that this filth is being created now, when the link between carbon emissions and global warming is so obvious, reflects negligence and greed,” he said. “The oil sands are emblematic of an era of high carbon and high-risk fuels that must end if we are committed to safer climate.”

Tutu, who has called on people to boycott fossil fuel companies, said he stands in solidarity with communities that are opposed to oil sands pipeline projects, such as Keystone XL, Northern Gateway and Energy East.

Read More: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2014/6/1/Desmond-Tutu-calls-oilsands-filth-at-Alberta-conference.aspx

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