In the oil industry, Richard and Louise Spilsbury examine the oil industry to determine whether the benefits of oil balance out pollution of the environment, the contribution oil use makes to greenhouse gases, and who profits the most from oil production.

The first chapter looks at the need for oil, where it is found and extracted, and who owns oil reserves. Then five case studies are presented:

• Zakum oil field in Abu Dhabi
• Deepwater Horizons oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
• drilling in the Niger Delta
• the Statoil Oil Company in Norway
• the looming dispute over projected oil reserves under the Lomonosov Ridge in the Arctic Ocean.

The book concludes with ways to make better use of existing oil reserves, and sustainable alternatives to oil.

The layout of text, diagrams, and photographs help to clarify the complex issues surrounding oil production. They will also prompt readers to think about the consequences of oil use locally and internationally.         

review by Karen

image by SkyTruth
Photo courtesy of the US Coast Guard.