The journey of humanity's reliance on crude oil is a tale of progress and challenges. From the late 19th to the early 20th century, the advent of crude oil exploitation signified a pivotal era, transitioning society from dependence on low-energy-density prime movers like wind, water, and animal power to the high-energy-density prowess of oil. This transition powered the industrial revolution, facilitating remarkable advancements in transportation, manufacturing, and global connectivity. The high energy density of crude oil enabled the development of compact, powerful engines, revolutionizing our way of travel from automobiles to jet engines and significantly accelerating economic development and globalization.

However, as with all advancements, the legacy of crude oil exploration is not without its shadows. An investigation has shed light on the 20 to 30 million "zombie wells" abandoned by the oil and gas industries worldwide. These deserted sites, some older than our great grandparents, like the over 5000 wells in Pechelbronn, France, pose substantial health and environmental risks. In the US alone, around 3 million abandoned oil wells, many undocumented, silently release methane—a potent greenhouse gas—along with other hazardous emissions, causing explosions and fires in nearby homes and communities. Infrared imaging has been instrumental in identifying methane emissions, revealing the invisible threats that these wells pose.

The cost of remedying this dark legacy, including the sealing and rehabilitation of abandoned wells, is formidable. With thousands of sites, like those in the North Sea leaking methane for over 30 years, the task is both financially and technically challenging. Yet, it is a necessary step towards mitigating further environmental damage and transitioning to more sustainable energy sources.

The issue takes on additional complexity in Nigeria, where the oil industry has profoundly impacted the environment and local communities. The Niger Delta, rich in biodiversity, now grapples with the consequences of oil spillages, illegal drilling, and the abandonment of oil fields. Cities like Port Harcourt face daily realities of soot-filled skies, significantly impacting the health of its residents. Oloibiri, the site of Nigeria's first oil well, stands as a testament to the long-term environmental footprint of oil exploration, with communities around it still dealing with the aftermath of decades of extraction. Remarkably, an estimated 10% of the oil production  in Nigeria is a result of illegal activities, underscoring the pervasive challenge of oil theft and unauthorized refineries. These illegal operations not only exacerbate the environmental crisis but also highlight the complex relationship between the oil industry and local economies, where dependency on oil for livelihoods often silences complaints against the industry's detrimental effects. 

This global crisis requires a concerted effort to shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The demand for crude oil and its high energy density has indeed propelled human civilization to remarkable heights, but the time has come to address the shadows it casts. Abandoned oil wells and the hazards they pose underscore the urgent need for energy transition. As we reckon with the remnants of our past, our focus must shift to harnessing energy sources that ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

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