Oil

In the 20th century the availability and low cost of oil triggered theindustrial growth and development of the worlds leading economies. Todaycheap accessible o... » 

In the 20th century the availability and low cost of oil triggered theindustrial growth and development of the worlds leading economies. Todaycheap accessible oil supplies are dwindling and the true cost to the worldsenvironment of our profligate use of black gold is becoming clearer. Americais embroiled in warfare and diplomacy to retain its hold on the Persian Gulfthe worlds richest petroleumproducing region. In this new entry in thepopular Groundwood Guides series James Laxer tells the story of the rise ofthe giant petroleum companies and how they seized control of oil fields andmarkets worldwide. Laxer explains the relationship between oil geopoliticsand money and he examines how different parts of the world both users andsuppliers relate differently to this commodity. Finally he describes thestark choices humanity faces as oil supplies decrease and climate changeintensified by the burning of petroleum and coal threatens earths future. «