Stuff You Should Know We Are Running Out of Sand and That Actually Matters
Sep 24, 2019
Sand is more than just grains; it's a crucial but dwindling resource we consume at alarming rates for construction and land creation. The podcast dives into the dark side of sand mining, revealing a violent global market. With humor, it discusses the best types for construction and explores sustainable alternatives to combat sand depletion. Coastal erosion management strategies and the ecological impact of our reliance on sand are emphasized, illuminating this often-overlooked environmental crisis.
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Sand: A Finite Resource
- Sand is a finite resource, despite its abundance.
- Its rapid depletion necessitates a global "sand shuffle", impacting the environment.
Sand Extraction Rates
- Sand and gravel represent the most extracted solid material globally.
- Despite constant replenishment through erosion, human consumption far outpaces it.
Sand Formation
- Sand is a product of erosion from various sources, including wind, water, ice, and volcanic activity.
- The parrotfish's digestion of coral reefs contributes to sand production.