Ideas change everything

Photographing the landscape of oil

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Edward Burtynsky |

TEDGlobal 2009

• July 2009

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.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

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.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.

About the speaker

Edward Burtynsky

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2005 TED Prize winner Edward Burtynsky has made it his life's work to document humanity's impact on the planet. His riveting photographs, as beautiful as they are horrifying, capture views of the Earth altered by mankind.

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Oil

Edward Burtynsky | Steidl (2011)

Edward Burtynsky - *Oil*

Edward Burtynsky's TED Prize wish

The 2005 Prize winner wished for art and media to inspire people to live more sustainably. Dive deeper into his vision.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.