Episode 3
Professor Iain Stewart examines the situation in the 21st century, at which point the global consumption of oil, coal and gas is at an all-time high.
As we entered the 21st century, the world was guzzling oil, coal and gas like never before. Despite fears of 'peak oil', Professor Iain Stewart discovers that while huge technological advances are helping extend the life of existing oilfields, new unconventional oil and gas supplies like shale gas and tar sands are extending the hydrocarbon age well into the 21st century.
Given there's plenty of fossil fuels still in the ground, the spectre of climate change has forced many to ask can we really afford to burn what's left? In this concluding episode, Iain Stewart argues we face a stark choice.
Do we continue feed our addiction - suck Planet Oil dry - and risk catastrophic climate change, or do we go hell for leather for alternative energy sources, such as nuclear and renewables, to make the transition from our fossil fuel past to a low-carbon future. In which case, how do we make that shift?
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Clips
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Could Thorium change the energy industry?
Duration: 02:27
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The town built on the Caspian Sea
Duration: 01:51
Music Played
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59 Times the Pain
Turn at 25th
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Iain Stewart |
Director | Declan Healy |
Series Producer | Richard Downes |
Broadcasts
Featured in...
Planet Oil
Documentary series exploring how we've become so reliant on oil.
Planet Oil: The Treasure that Conquered the World
Documentary series exploring just how reliant we've become on oil.
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Prof Iain Stewart looks into our addiction to oil and how it changed the world