Once Human Crude Oil

Ed Bradley

2 min read

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14-12-2024

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The Anthropocene, the proposed geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems, is inextricably linked to the extraction and consumption of fossil fuels. But what if we took that connection a step further? What if we considered fossil fuels themselves—particularly crude oil—as, in a very real sense, once human?

The Carbon Cycle and the Human Element

The carbon cycle, the process by which carbon atoms continually circulate through the Earth's systems, is fundamental to life. Photosynthesis captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, building organic matter in plants. These plants, and the animals that consume them, eventually decompose, releasing carbon back into the environment. Over millions of years, immense pressure and heat transformed some of this organic matter, including the remains of ancient organisms, into fossil fuels like crude oil, natural gas, and coal.

While the process is natural, the scale of human involvement is unprecedented. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels at the rate we do today releases vast quantities of carbon into the atmosphere far exceeding natural rates, disrupting the delicate balance of the carbon cycle. This accelerated release is the primary driver of climate change and its associated environmental consequences.

Reframing the Narrative

Consider the scale of human activity. The sheer volume of fossil fuels extracted and utilized over the past century reflects a history of industrialization, urbanization, and societal development. The energy derived from these fuels has powered everything from agriculture to transportation, shaping the landscape and our very way of life. In this sense, crude oil, and other fossil fuels, are not simply geological formations; they are the concentrated residue of past ecosystems, fundamentally altered by the processes of life and death—a life significantly shaped by humanity.

The Human Footprint: More Than Just Emissions

Our impact extends beyond the direct emission of greenhouse gases. The extraction of crude oil itself leaves a lasting mark on the environment through habitat destruction, water pollution, and the creation of vast wastelands. The manufacturing and distribution of products derived from crude oil—plastics, synthetic fibers, and countless others—add further layers to the complex entanglement of human activity and this once-living material.

A Necessary Reckoning

Understanding crude oil as "once human" is not simply a poetic notion. It's a call to re-evaluate our relationship with fossil fuels and the consequences of our actions. It demands a more profound understanding of the interconnectedness of human society and the natural world, forcing us to confront the environmental and social injustices embedded within our dependence on these resources.

The transition to renewable energy sources is not just an environmental imperative; it is a necessary step towards a more sustainable future, one that acknowledges the deep historical and ecological ties between humanity and the very substance we have used to shape the modern world. The "once human" aspect of crude oil serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility we bear for the planet's future.