'Meet the Fossils': Ancient life that powers our world

When we burn fossil fuels to power our homes and cars, we're burning the remains of ancient life – plants and animals that were transformed over millions of years into coal or oil. And we are using up that resource at a rapid rate. Writer and narrator Robert Krulwich explains how in this "CBS Sunday Morning" video essay, based on the work of Aatish Bhatia. Animation directed and designed by Nate Milton. Music by Buck St. Thomas.

"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.

[kjjohnson]

Keep these segments coming, Krulwich!

[OutYourAtmosphere]

CBS Sunday Morning is The best program on the planet. I am never disappointed because I will always learn something, feel something and start my Sunday a better person. Thank you Mrs. Trudeau. 😊 💓

[OldStationRecords]

Wow.. I am an already grown man, and I enjoyed lots this piece of art, ..please add more so pleasant documentaries, there is a need of peaceful and enjoyable content, God bless you all

[bradpitt]

Please please keep these segments coming! So educational

[Beckala]

I love these illustrative reporting segments!

[liz]

This is brilliant..never heard it explained so well before...my 10 yr. old granddaughter can understand it...

[richmoves]

Definitely file this under "the more you know". 🌎🧡

[OutYourAtmosphere]

reminds me of School House Rock. One of my favorite childhood memories ❤️ thank you and please do it again and again

[maryannelarsen]

What al fabulous explanation of our use of fossil fuels. Thank you.

[averymcginn]

Such an education. Beautifully done. It is such a shame that we, the consumers of our planet's bounty, are so oblivious of our damaging and mindless consumption.

[judykinsman]

Excellent reporting, so educational. Thank you!!!

[silverlve]

Am loving this format. Thank you for all the hard work put into creating it.

[rrfirefly]

Well explained. In the next animated feature, let's talk about how burning those ancient living organisms has resulted in today's existential problem: climate change.

[vegasgal]

This illustrative video reminds me of Thom Hartmann’s book “The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight.” Great read.

[CarolNichols]

The best wake up segments!!! Please don’t stop!

[ointment]

This is the land where JOE grew up. He has fond memories of it.

[robertbecker]

Nice job. Make more stuff like that. Easy to understand.

[hippiemovement]

I'm a teacher and I cannot wait to show this to my students.

[rubyedunn]

Oh my God! This video (and more like it)should be included in curriculum. Kids would learn AND RETAIN more.

[maryannkochanski]

That is absolutely fascinating! Thank you so much!