Alberta’s oil sands are a hot topic in education, but recent materials for teachers have raised concerns. While these resources explain what oil sands are, how they form, and their job contributions, they fall short in addressing pressing issues like greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Anne Keary, co-author of a recent report, highlights this gap, emphasizing that such omissions are significant.
Inside Education, the organization that developed these materials, is noted in the report for accepting funds from fossil fuel companies. Though they claim these sponsors don’t affect their content, the influence of fossil fuel interests in educational resources is becoming increasingly hard to ignore. Keary’s research shows that this trend is not limited to Alberta; similar cases can be found across Canada in provinces like British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.
Keary explains, “What’s missing in these resources is just as crucial as what’s included.” Discussions about renewable energy or serious considerations on transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence are often absent. Resources tend to emphasize personal action, such as tracking individual energy use, while failing to explore systemic changes that could make a real difference—like assessing the health impacts of pollution or the potential of renewable sources.
Retired Alberta teacher Tylene Appel has seen these biases firsthand in her more than 30 years of teaching. Initially, she found the resources helpful, aligning well with curriculum needs. However, as she dug deeper, she became aware of their ties to the fossil fuel industry and the one-sided perspectives they promote. She notes that while engaging materials are appealing in classrooms—especially with budget cuts limiting options—they often gloss over crucial discussions on collective responsibility toward climate issues.
Keary and others are raising alarms about the growing influence of fossil fuel companies in education. These companies offer funding for school science fairs and educational materials, subtly shifting the narrative around climate education and fossil fuels. Instead of robust, critical discussions, students often receive materials that downplay the fossil fuel industry’s role in climate change.
Reports emphasize that students deserve a fuller picture. While teaching about climate change is essential, educators also need to discuss the implications of industry influence in their classrooms. Understanding who funds educational resources helps students recognize the potential biases in the information they receive.
Emily Eaton, a professor at the University of Regina, has conducted research into how the fossil fuel industry impacts education. She notes these companies often shift from outright denial of climate issues to strategies that minimize the urgency of the crisis. As education institutions face pressures from funding sources, it’s crucial that the material educators use promotes an independent and comprehensive view of climate change.
Many believe that teaching on climate change should also encompass the political economics surrounding it. It’s vital for students to learn not just about the science but also about the motivations of various stakeholders, including fossil fuel companies.
In response to these concerns, Inside Education maintains that its programs are built by experienced educators and are not dictated by sponsors. They stress the importance of teaching multiple viewpoints and factual information. However, as the environmental advocacy group CAPE and For Our Kids point out, it is crucial that educational materials fully reflect the climate crisis rather than sidestep its implications.
Calls for action are growing stronger. Advocates urge all levels of government to support genuine climate education that doesn’t compromise on the scientific realities at stake. This includes ensuring funding for schools isn’t tied to fossil fuel companies and providing educators with the resources they need to teach children about the full scope of climate change and environmental responsibility.
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fossil fuel companies,climate change,Anne Keary,Tylene Appel,renewable energy sources,climate activist,greenhouse gas emissions
