Furthermore, the conflict in Ukraine has brought attention to the topic of energy
security, and the worldwide need for fossil fuels is still increasing.
Tristan Goodman, head of the oil and gas industry organization the Explorers and
Producers Association of Canada, expressed energy companies' strong
disappointment with the university's 2021 choice to suspend the oil-and-gas degree
program.
Goodman expressed that it really didn't make sense at all.
"Yes, like all commodity-based sectors, this industry experiences fluctuations... but I
believe it was not a wise decision by the university and I'm glad to see they are
fixing the issue."
Goodman stated that careers in oil and gas are lucrative, engaging, and innovative
in terms of technology. He mentioned that the decrease in interest among young
individuals in oil and gas professions at the U of C might have been influenced in
part by what he refers to as a "negative storyline" that he perceives is beginning to
shift.
Certainly, it is necessary to keep decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, however,
this is a commodity that is being utilized by everyone globally. He also mentioned
that some practicality is starting to be included in the system.
Overall, being a part of this industry is excellent with extremely promising long-term
opportunities.
Keith Stewart, a senior energy strategist at Greenpeace Canada, admitted that
there are still employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry and that this will
continue to be the case "for decades."
He mentioned that young individuals pursuing careers in the energy sector should
be ready to adjust and change their career paths in the future.
"Oil and gas is a declining sector, but as we move away from it and begin the
process of safely closing and cleaning up those sites, there will be abundant
opportunities."
