Name: Photographing the landscape of oil
Uploaded: 2009-11-11T01:00:00Z
Duration: 3 min 22 s
Description: In stunning large-format photographs, Edward Burtynsky follows the path of oil through modern society, from wellhead to pipeline to car engine -- and then beyond to the projected peak-oil endgame.

In stunning large-format photographs, Edward Burtynsky follows the path of oil through modern society, from wellhead to pipeline to car engine -- and then beyond to the projected peak-oil endgame.

Photographing the landscape of oil

Vast industrial landscapes reveal how oil underpins the speed and scale of modern life. One liter of gasoline represents 23 metric tons of ancient carbon, requiring 500 years of photosynthetic growth to produce the 30 billion barrels used annually. At current consumption, the world’s known reserves will last only about 45 years. Capturing these realities through photography highlights the urgent need to address the looming energy crisis.

Oil Shapes Landscapes While Threatening Our Future

*Oil*

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Edward Burtynsky: Photographing the landscape of oil