Oil and gas are hydrocarbons — organic compounds made up exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are a constant feature of our daily lives, forming the basis for petroleum, natural gas and many other everyday by-products ranging from fuels to plastics.
Hydrocarbons were formed millions of years from organic matter buried under layers of sediment. Subjected to enormous pressure and high temperatures (at depths of between 2,000 and 5,000 metres), these carbon-based remains were converted into oil or natural gas, accumulating in underground geological reservoirs. To locate them, exploration techniques such as seismic logging are used, and the resource is extracted by drilling, either on land or under the seabed.
For more than a century, oil and gas have been the world’s main source of energy. They are used to generate electricity, drive vehicles, heat buildings and as a raw material in the chemical industry. However, mass use of hydrocarbons has consequences: when they are burned, they release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
The challenge today is to reduce our dependence on oil and gas and move towards a more sustainable energy model. Knowing their origin, use and impact is key to making more responsible decisions.
