In studying petroleum, I have focused on understanding our interconnection with a substance that can seem like an “other”. Ocean life forms compressed under the ocean floor over millions of years have transformed into this condensed form of energy, which we now use to transport ourselves and the goods we make around the globe. This story feels far-fetched, miraculous, and has led me to believe it is not the oil itself that is evil, or responsible for climate change, but the people and the global system that have chosen to monopolize this substance. As we transfer huge amounts of carbon from the earth to the air, a core understanding is there is no “other”, all things in this universe are interconnected.