We all know, in the abstract, that tar-sands oil is something we should oppose. But seeing the destruction that tar-sands mining wreaks on the landscape really brings it home. Business Insider took some spectacular photos at the Alberta tar sands, and they make the impact viscerally clear.

Reader support makes our work possible. Donate today to keep our site free. All donations TRIPLED!

Way, way more photos, with description of the multi-stage mining and refining process, in Business Insider’s article.