99% Invisible Built on Sand
Jul 9, 2019
Join author Vince Beiser, who explores the astonishing impact of sand in 'The World in a Grain.' He argues that sand is the unsung hero behind modern civilization, essential for concrete and technology despite its looming depletion. The discussion unveils the global sand crisis, driven by rapid urbanization, along with environmental degradation caused by extraction. Innovations in sustainable building materials, like carbon capture technologies and alternative resources, are also highlighted, urging a rethink of our resource consumption for a sustainable future.
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Sand's Importance
- Sand is the most important solid substance on Earth.
- It's the foundation of modern civilization, used in concrete, roads, glass, and silicon chips.
Sand Shortage and Desert Sand
- The world uses 50 billion tons of sand annually.
- Desert sand is unsuitable for construction due to its smooth, rounded grains.
Sand Mafia Violence
- Beiser's interest in sand started with an article about a farmer's murder in India over sand.
- This led him to discover the sand mafia and violence associated with sand mining.
