Is oil and gas a sustainable industry?
No. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource. Petroleum, or oil, is a natural fossil fuel. It is called a fossil fuel because it was formed from the remains of tiny sea plants and animals that died millions of years ago. When the plants and animals died, they sank to the bottom of the ocean and were buried by thousands of metres of sand and silt. Over time, this organic mixture was subjected to enormous pressure and heat as the layers increased. The mixture changed chemically, breaking down into compounds made of hydrogen and carbon atoms—hydrocarbons. Finally, an oil-saturated rock, much like a wet household sponge, was formed. Petroleum is called a non-renewable energy source because it takes millions of years to form. Natural gas is formed by a similar process as oil, and can be found in separate deposits or mixed with oil. Because oil and gas are difficult to locate, especially in the ocean, exploration and drilling are key activities in extracting these fuels. From the initial stages
