The Choice
by Emma Shpur
A watercolour on balancing renewables, fossil fuels, jobs, and ecosystems: “the choice,” not “a choice.”
About this work
“The Choice” explores the theme of balance between the Canadian energy sector, our needs, and the environment, narrating its important role in a sustainable future. The painting showcases the priority of combining components from both innovative renewable energy sources as well as fossil fuels to create new jobs and maintain existing ones for an ever-increasing population.
This will require focusing on the Canadian oil and gas industries to provide the resources and jobs for future development and technologies, while still maintaining a positive stance on protecting vital ecosystems and environments. The world and our way of life are energy-dependent. The painting refers to “the choice” and not “a choice.”
As a Canadian society, we must choose the path that will provide protection to our biological bottom line, the environment, while still providing a sufficient amount of energy to ensure a quality of life for all Canadians. It is the path that involves new approaches, balance, and difficult decisions. Changes must be made for environmental conservation, but not to the point of economic destabilization.
Canada needs a balance between renewable and fossil fuels, new technologies, the economy, and the environment. Such a balance is dynamic and requires the energy sector to continually innovate and lead in the exploration of new potentials. Overall, the artwork displays the vitality of a world that is ever-growing and changing. Rather than view the economy and environment as opposite ends of a spectrum, we can develop a balanced energy sector that respects the lessons of our past and creates a present where needs are met, but not at the expense of a sustainable future.
