The lecture opens by discussing a conceptual framework which brings together mediatization and mediation literature with environmental communication approaches. Three broad themes from an analysis of empirical material are presented covering 1) the rise of „petronationalism“ 2) „selling the oil sands without oil“ and 3) the rise of celebrity site-visits to Alberta (Canada) as a form of mediated engagement. The lecture concludes by reflecting on the implications of the mediatization of the environment.