Understanding Oil

01/21/25 • 26 min

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Michael Tondre’s new book “Oil” explores the profound influence of oil on culture, history, relationships, and economies, as well as the broader implications of climate change. Host Heather Lynch discusses with Tondre, associate professor of English at Stony Brook University, the moral responsibilities of major energy corporations and governments, the historical contexts of oil usage, and the potential for a renewable future. Tondre deconstructs the mythos surrounding oil, and lays out individual and corporate responsibilities for the transition to sustainable energy practices.

Learn more with:

“Oil” by Michael Tondre (Bloomsbury Academic)
“Collapse by Jared Diamond (Penguin House)

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

00:00 Introduction to oil's ubiquity
00:46 Advertisement for study abroad
01:12 Welcome to C4E Presents
01:40 Interview with Michael Tondre: Why write about oil?
03:02 The moral responsibility of oil companies
05:15 Individual vs. corporate responsibility
06:55 Historical context of oil usage
09:41 Indigenous practices and sustainable living
20:10 Understanding petrocapitalism
24:09 Optimism for the future
25:07 Conclusion and next episode preview

Tell a friend and share a link to this episode.

You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program manager: Jennifer Gilday

Learn more with:

“Oil” by Michael Tondre (Bloomsbury Academic)
“Collapse by Jared Diamond (Penguin House)

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

00:00 Introduction to oil's ubiquity
00:46 Advertisement for study abroad
01:12 Welcome to C4E Presents
01:40 Interview with Michael Tondre: Why write about oil?
03:02 The moral responsibility of oil companies
05:15 Individual vs. corporate responsibility
06:55 Historical context of oil usage
09:41 Indigenous practices and sustainable living
20:10 Understanding petrocapitalism
24:09 Optimism for the future
25:07 Conclusion and next episode preview

Tell a friend and share a link to this episode.

You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program manager: Jennifer Gilday

Previous Episode

(Bonus) Making Music With Endangered Animals

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Margaret Schedel composes music — perhaps not the typical avenue for exploring how the habitats of endangered species are changing in the face of climate change. Host Heather Lynch and Schedel examine how sonifying wildlife using extraordinary techniques on brass, wind and percussive instruments can be a brilliant way to connect the arts with science.

You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program manager: Jennifer Gilday

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

Next Episode

Pop-Up with Wenbo Li

Host Heather Lynch interviews Wenbo Li about the critical role of science communication in promoting public understanding and support for climate change action. As part of the "Climate Change and You" pop-up course, Li teaches the harmful effects of misinformation on public trust in science, policy support, and societal polarization.

The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking, media literacy, and strategic communication skills to address misinformation. Additionally, Li stresses the importance of using social media to spread accurate information and encourage collective actions against climate change.

To learn more about the course, get inspired here!

Tell a friend and share a link to this episode.

You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program manager: Jennifer Gilday