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Photographing the landscape of oil

582,719 views | Edward Burtynsky • TEDGlobal 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.

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.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Edward Burtynsky

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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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.