SYNTHETIC OIL

from Wiki:-

"

Synthetic oil is a lubricant consisting of chemical compounds which are artificially made (synthesized). Synthetic lubricants can be manufactured using chemically modified petroleum components rather than whole crude oil, but can also be synthesized from other raw materials. Synthetic oil is used as a substitute for lubricant refined from petroleum when operating in extremes of temperature, because it generally provides superior mechanical and chemical properties than those found in traditional mineral oils. Aircraft turbines, for example, require the use of synthetic oils, whereas aircraft piston engines don't."

As a layman, with no scientific background, but not wanting to turn my back on science, BUT having just watched 'Collapse" for the first time...how viable are synthetic oils, with regards to sustainability?????