The world is running out of sand? 

Sand plays a crucial role in human construction, serving as a vital component in concrete, asphalt, glass, and various building materials.

However, the unregulated extraction of sand, much like other natural resources, is posing significant challenges. This unchecked removal contributes to erosion, flooding, aquifer salination, and the erosion of coastal defenses.

In an effort to address the issues related to sand mining and promote a zero waste world, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has collaborated with Kenyan spoken word poet Beatrice Kariuki.

In a recent video, Kariuki emphasizes the need to intensify efforts toward building a circular economy and repurposing rubble for new construction. She warns, "Without new thinking, the sands of time will run out." Sand is the second most-utilized resource on Earth, following water. Extraction methods include dredging from rivers, excavation along coastlines, and mining. The estimated 50 billion tonnes of sand extracted annually for construction could build a nine-storey wall encircling the planet.

A 2022 UNEP report, titled "Sand and Sustainability: 10 Strategic Recommendations to Avert a Crisis," reveals an alarming annual increase of approximately 6 percent in sand extraction, a rate deemed unsustainable. The report advocates for recognizing sand as a strategic resource and reevaluating its extraction and use.

Building on UNEP research from 2019, the report underscores the consequences of rising sand demand over the past two decades, including river pollution, flooding, aquifer depletion, and exacerbated droughts.

To address these challenges, UNEP proposes solutions such as establishing legal frameworks for sand extraction, fostering a circular economy for sand and building materials, accurately mapping and monitoring sand resources, and restoring ecosystems impacted by sand mining.

The report also suggests practical measures, including recycling construction materials from demolition sites and exploring the potential of ore-sand. Ore-sand, a by-product of mineral processing designed for construction and industrial applications, has the potential to reduce the generation of mine tailings and offer an alternative source of sand, aligning with global circular economy objectives.

Testing your understanding:

True or false: 

1. Sand extraction contributes to erosion, flooding, aquifer salination, and coastal defenses' erosion.

2. Kenyan spoken word poet Beatrice Kariuki warns that without new thinking, the sands of time will increase.

3. Sand is the most-utilized resource on Earth, surpassing even water.

4. The 2022 UNEP report highlights a sustainable annual increase rate of approximately 6 percent in sand extraction.

5. UNEP proposes solutions to sand-related challenges, including legal frameworks for extraction, circular economy promotion, and mapping and monitoring of sand resources.

Pick the right answer:

1. What is the primary consequence of unregulated sand extraction mentioned in the text?

• • a. Increased fertility

  • b. Reduced erosion

  • c. River pollution

  • d. Enhanced aquifer capacity

2. According to the UNEP report, what is the annual increase rate in sand extraction?

• • a. 2 percent

  • b. 4 percent

  • c. 6 percent

  • d. 8 percent

3. What metaphor does Beatrice Kariuki use to emphasize the importance of new thinking in the video?

• • a. Mountains of sand

  • b. Oceans of time

  • c. Sands of time

  • d. Walls of sand

4. What is the estimated amount of sand extracted annually for construction, as mentioned in the text?

• • a. 25 billion tons

  • b. 50 billion tons

  • c. 75 billion tons

  • d. 100 billion tons

5. Which of the following is NOT proposed as a solution by UNEP to address sand-related challenges?

• • a. Legal frameworks for extraction

  • b. Circular economy promotion

  • c. Random extraction methods

  • d. Accurate mapping and monitoring

Answer Key: 

True and False: 

1. True

2. False

3. False

4. False

5. True

Pick the right answer key:

1. C

2. C

3. C

4. B

5. C