Understanding the Global Sand Crisis

What event marked the beginning of increased violence related to sand theft in India?

• A government crackdown on sand mafias

• A protest against illegal mining

• An attack on an environmental activist

• A journalist's report on sand mining

Why is desert sand not suitable for construction?

• It is too expensive to transport

• It contains too much salt

• It is too smooth and lacks friction

• It is too coarse and heavy

Which country used more cement in a few years than the US did in the entire last century?

• Brazil

• United Arab Emirates

• China

• India

Which country has increased its land mass by a quarter using imported sand?

• Singapore

• Japan

• Saudi Arabia

• Netherlands

What is a key challenge in managing global sand consumption?

• Lack of international cooperation

• Inadequate data on sand sources and impacts

• High transportation costs

• Limited technological advancements

What is one of the major environmental impacts of sand mining?

• Rising sea levels

• Increased air pollution

• Depletion of fossil fuels

• Deforestation

What is a significant social issue associated with sand mining?

• High unemployment rates

• Overpopulation in mining areas

• Child labor and poor working conditions

• Lack of educational opportunities

What is a suggested alternative to using traditional concrete in construction?

• Using more steel

• Using plastic composites

• Using timber or rammed earth

• Using more glass

What is a potential benefit of mining sand from Greenland?

• It can ease the transition away from concrete

• It is cheaper than other sources

• It is closer to major construction sites

• It can help reduce global warming

What is one way to reduce the amount of concrete used in construction?

• Increasing the use of glass

• Using more efficient concrete mixes

• Expanding urban areas

• Building taller structures