Why Is the World Running Out of Sand?

While our beaches and deserts may suggest otherwise, sand is actually in short supply, with an unprecedented surge in demand seriously depleting global supplies. A key component of concrete, glass, and other essential building materials, sand plays a crucial role in shaping and constructing our urban landscapes. This is especially due to the rise in popularity of building modern architecture, which is heavily reliant on concrete and glass. However, factors such as increased construction demand, disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and limited availability of coastal sand (essential for structural glass) also contribute to this shortage. The situation highlights the critical role that seemingly mundane materials like sand play in our modern world, affecting everything from construction projects to everyday products, as well as the need to consider alternative building materials like stone.

Read more in the following article: https://theweek.com/news/science-health/960931/why-is-the-world-running-out-of-sand