S&P Global's latest analysis shows Canadian oil sands emissions intensity fell another 2% in 2025 to 59 kgCO2e per barrel. That marks the 13th straight year of decline and a 31% drop since 2009, meaning each barrel now carries nearly 27 kg less CO2 than it did 16 years ago. The data separates intensity from absolute emissions, a distinction that matters for policy and carbon accounting. The article explains that while per-barrel emissions keep falling, total absolute emissions from the sector depend on production volumes. This distinction is critical for anyone tracking Canada's climate targets or investing in carbon markets tied to oil sands performance. The trend shows technology and process improvements are working at the unit level, even as the broader debate about oil demand continues.
