Understanding Oil

21/01/2025 26 min Temporada 2 Episodio 1

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Episode Synopsis

Michael Tondre’s new book “Oil” explores the profound influence of oil on culture, history, relationships, and economies, as well as the broader implications of climate change. Host Heather Lynch discusses with Tondre, associate professor of English at Stony Brook University, the moral responsibilities of major energy corporations and governments, the historical contexts of oil usage, and the potential for a renewable future. Tondre deconstructs the mythos surrounding oil, and lays out individual and corporate responsibilities for the transition to sustainable energy practices.
Learn more with: 

“Oil” by Michael Tondre (Bloomsbury Academic)
“Collapse by Jared Diamond (Penguin House)

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

00:00 Introduction to oil's ubiquity
00:46 Advertisement for study abroad 
01:12 Welcome to C4E Presents
01:40 Interview with Michael Tondre: Why write about oil?
03:02 The moral responsibility of oil companies
05:15 Individual vs. corporate responsibility
06:55 Historical context of oil usage
09:41 Indigenous practices and sustainable living
20:10 Understanding petrocapitalism
24:09 Optimism for the future
25:07 Conclusion and next episode preview

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C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.
Host: Heather Lynch
Editor: J.D. Allen
Program manager: Jennifer Gilday