Unsustainable Global Sand Extraction Impacts Earth Systems and Urbanization
What happened
Sand is a critical raw material for industries such as concrete, asphalt, and glass. The global volume of natural resources used in building and transport infrastructure increased 23-fold between 1900 and 2010. Currently, sand extraction is the largest global mining endeavor, with an estimated 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel being extracted annually. This rate of extraction is unsustainable, as the resource is harvested much faster than it can be naturally replenished.
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Why it matters
The increasing global dependence on sand for construction and development puts pressure on fundamental Earth systems. This resource depletion is particularly pronounced in populous regions of Asia and Africa, where urbanization is accelerating.
Government initiatives and rapid urbanization are driving growth in the construction sand market across China, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
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Who's involved
- AfricaContinent experiencing increasing pressure from urbanization and infrastructure development.
- South AsiaRegion identified as having a strong and lucrative sand business.
- IndiaMajor economic and environmental driver within the broader South Asia region.
- GangesMajor river in India whose structure is affected by extraction.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- IndiaSpeculative
India could face increased raw material costs and regulatory risks due to resource depletion.
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The entities involved
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Africa
continent
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South Asia
southern region of Asia