Geothermal energy is drawn from the Earth’s molten core in the form of heat, which is accessed beneath the Earth’s crust. Some communities have been using this energy source for heating and cooking for thousands of years. In many countries, geothermal energy is used to directly heat and cool buildings, and to generate electricity through the use of geothermal plants. Geothermal energy is sustainable, renewable, and cleaner than many other forms of energy. As evidenced by this image of the Cerro Prieto geothermal power station in Baja, Mexico, however, geothermal plants, like other generation plants, alter the surrounding environment. Find out more about geothermal energy in this informative article and learn about geothermal power plants in this short video.

Humans extracts minerals from the Earth for a multitude of purposes, and new uses continually arise from the introduction of new technologies. A typical “smart phone,” for example, contains an extensive array of elements that support its design and function. How many of the elements in a smart phone can you name? Check your knowledge against this infographic, and learn more about the function of these materials in this chemistry article.

The history of mining in the Sudbury Basin of Ontario, Canada began over 10,000 years ago. After glaciers receded, people of the Plano culture quarried quartzite and crafted it into tools and weapons. Subsequent inhabitants from the Northern Shield Culture extracted copper for a variety of functional and decorative uses. The arrival of western civilization brought more intensive extraction efforts, and the first mines were established in the late 1800s. Mining operations in the region expanded with the demand for minerals and have had a profound impact on the environment. Learn more about these environmental impacts and potential improvements in mining practices in this animated presentation. Zoom into the image to see Nickel Tailings #34 and #35 as a diptych.

In his powerful series on water, Edward Burtynsky explores how humans source, use, distribute and waste this precious resource, often taking its availability for granted. In creating this extensive body of work, Burtynsky used a variety of technologies to achieve his desired perspectives, including traditional helicopters and fixed-wing planes, remote-controlled drones, lifts and a fifty-foot pneumatic pole. Learn more about Burtynsky’s use of technology in this video. As part of this multi-year project, Burtynsky also collaborated with filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nick de Pencier to create a documentary film entitled “Watermark.” Watch footage from this award-winning film in this short video.    

Throughout Burtynsky’s water series, we see human ingenuity at work, as communities pursue access to water for drinking, food production and other basic life functions. In his images of pivot irrigation, Burtynsky highlights the critical role of water in agriculture and the challenges of access in arid geographic areas. The ability to irrigate such areas often relies on feats of engineering, such as the Yuma Siphon described in this short history video. In his images of step wells, Burtynsky documents the beautiful and functional wells that provided access to groundwater to communities throughout India. Learn more about these ornate step wells in this short video. As human demand and environmental factors such as climate change create growing pressure on aquifers and other sources of fresh water, human ingenuity will be the key to ensuring access to water for people all over the world.

In the words of the artist: “When I first started photographing industry it was out of a sense of awe at what we as a species were up to. Our achievements became a source of infinite possibilities. But time goes on, and that flush of wonder began to turn. The car that I drove cross-country began to represent not only freedom, but also something much more conflicted. I began to think about oil itself: as both the source of energy that makes everything possible, and as a source of dread, for its ongoing endangerment of our habitat. I wanted to represent one of the most significant features of this century: the automobile. The automobile is the main basis for our modern industrial world, giving us a certain freedom and changing our world dramatically. The automobile was made possible because of the invention of the internal combustion engine and its utilization of both oil and gasoline. The raw material and the refining process contained both the idea and an interesting visual component for me.” Learn more about Burtynsky’s exploration of the landscapes of oil in this TED talk. Zoom into the Oil Fields image to see #19a and #19b as a diptych.

In the words of the artist: “The original idea for the shipbreaking started a long time ago. About four years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill I heard a radio program where they were talking about the danger of single-hulled ships. The insurance companies were refusing to cover them after 2004, which would force all these ships to be decommissioned. Only double-hulled ships would be allowed on the open sea to prevent that kind of catastrophe from happening again. What went off in my mind was, wouldn’t it be interesting to see where these massive vessels will be taken apart. It would be a study of humanity and the skill it takes to dismantle these things. I looked upon the shipbreaking as the ultimate in recycling, in this case of the largest vessels ever made. It turned out that most of the dismantling was happening in India and Bangladesh so that’s where I went.” Learn more about the evolution of Burtynsky’s work and his desire to activate the dialogue on sustainability in this TED talk.

In his captivating images, Edward Burtynsky addresses humanity’s insatiable appetite for energy and natural resources and its dramatic impact on the landscape. If you are inspired by his work, you can take action in your own life. Select one or more pledges listed below and spread the word. You can also learn more by visiting our Pledge Center. Let’s #EndOvershoot and save our #OneEarth.