It’s a Coal and Crude World
The history of oil and coal reveals how deeply these fossil fuels are embedded in human development. Oil, with its origins stretching back thousands of years, was initially used in bitumen form by ancient Mesopotamian civilizations to waterproof structures. The oil industry as we know it, however, took shape in 1859 when Edwin Drake drilled the first successful oil well in Pennsylvania, launching oil as an energy mainstay. Today, oil fuels a vast spectrum of human activities
It powers nearly all global transportation—cars, airplanes, and ships—accounts for heating, industrial processes, and forms the basis of numerous everyday products, from plastics to fertilizers.
Coal's history with humanity is equally enduring, with widespread use taking off during the 18th century's Industrial Revolution. Coal powered the steam engines that drove industrial growth and later became a primary fuel for electricity generation, steel production, and large-scale manufacturing. Though its use has waned in certain parts of the world, coal remains integral to many economies, with China alone consuming over half of the world’s coal supply for its power plants.
These fuels, however, have a dark side. When burned, both oil and coal emit large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂), the primary greenhouse gas driving climate change. Oil consumption alone is responsible for 43% of global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels, while coal, despite providing only 27% of global energy, generates 46% of fossil-fuel-derived CO₂. These emissions, in turn, fuel a host of environmental issues, from global warming to extreme weather, making the reliance on these fuels increasingly costly.
Oil pollution extends far beyond carbon emissions. The extraction, refining, and transportation of oil release harmful substances into the air, including sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog and can cause respiratory illnesses. Meanwhile, methane leaks from oil drilling are potent contributors to climate change, and oil spills, like the infamous Deepwater Horizon spill of 2010, devastate ecosystems, poisoning marine life and contaminating coastlines.
Coal, on the other hand, remains the dirtiest of all fossil fuels. Burning coal releases not only CO₂ but also fine particulate matter that contributes to respiratory problems, as well as mercury, which contaminates water systems. In addition, coal mining—particularly the process of mountaintop removal—destroys habitats and landscapes, with contaminants often leaching into surrounding rivers and streams, creating long-term ecological damage. As a result, pollution from coal burning is responsible for roughly 1 million premature deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization.
Despite these environmental consequences, the world remains heavily reliant on both oil and coal. Globally, we consume about 100 million barrels of oil every day, with the United States leading in usage at nearly 20 million barrels daily. Coal consumption stands at nearly 8 billion metric tons annually, still a major source of power, especially in rapidly developing countries. Together, oil and coal contribute to over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making them primary drivers of the current climate crisis.
This dependency poses a challenge for the global energy transition. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are on the rise, now accounting for about 30% of global electricity production. However, coal alone still accounts for around 36%, underscoring the long road ahead in reducing fossil fuel reliance. The transition is vital, not only to curb climate change but to reduce the public health risks associated with air pollution; every year, about 4.2 million deaths are linked to outdoor air pollution, much of it caused by burning oil and coal.
These facts underscore the urgency of moving beyond fossil fuels. As fossil fuel production and consumption continue to exact a steep environmental and human toll, artworks and messages that bring attention to these issues can amplify the call for a cleaner, more sustainable future. By shining a light on the harmful legacy of oil and coal, we take a step toward reimagining a world fueled by more sustainable and environmentally friendly resources.