Sand: Digging into a crisis?
By DW
18 June 2022 |
2:22 pm
The word sand usually conjures up images of a holiday on the beach. But the fine grains also happen to be a precious commodity. Humans extract 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel every year, making it the second most exploited resource on the planet. Can the world keep digging for more? The Down to Earth team investigates.
Related
Related
7 Jul
In a post-Covid era where music lovers have less disposable income and organisers face higher costs, we discuss what music festivals can do to survive. We're joined by John Rostron, CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals in the UK.
16 Jul
Torrential rains have caused flash floods and landslides in parts of India, causing death and destruction. The heavy rain comes after an unbearable heat wave.
17 Jul
The US-China discussions are expected to focus on addressing non-CO2 emissions, particularly methane, and preparing for the COP28 summit. The talks come amid political tensions between the two nations on multiple fronts.
19 Jul
Inflation and an influx of refugees have put growing pressure on food banks. Will the German state step into the breach?
22 Jul
On Inside Stuff with Martins Oloja, the multi-award-winning journalist and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian this week, he talks about Exemplary leadership in crisis time. It is time for the leadership at all levels to cut down the cost of governance.
28 Jul
A one-day summit by West African leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and the Niger Republic ended in a stalemate after the leaders met with Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Muslim Cleric Mahmoud Dicko.
9 Aug
Nigeria slaps fresh sanctions on the military junta in Niger as it says 'all options are on the table' to restore President Bazoum to power, nearly two weeks after the coup d'etat. Also in this edition: Despite an opposition boycott, voters in CAR overwhemlingly endorse a new constitution, paving the way for President Touadera to run for a third term. And finally: We get reactions from Rwanda after a UN court's decision to indefinitely halt the trial of Felicien Kabuga, an alleged financier of the 1994 genocide.
13 Aug
Armed militias are fighting against Ethiopia's National Defense Forces in the Amhara region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared a state of emergency, and experts warn that the national peace process is in jeopardy.
13 Aug
Although Russia ended the so-called grain deal with Ukraine, prices have not skyrocketed as they did after the start of the war. Since the grain market didn't panic, the focus is now shifting to Russian grain exports.
3 Sep
On 17 August 2023, popular protests over the high inflation rate and deteriorating economic situation in Syria erupted in the Druze majority city of Al-Suwayda, with hundreds of participants. These grew, and by 20 August, thousands of protesters chanted slogans demanding the downfall of Assad regime.
17 Sep
Israel's Supreme Court has opened the first case examining the legality of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul, lurching towards a showdown with the nation’s far-right government. The latter has split Israel in two ever since it announced plans to reform the country’s judicial system, which would see the Supreme Court weakened.
23 Sep
Thousands of migrants have arrived on Lampedusa from Africa this week, with the EU at odds over what to do with them. DW reports from the Italian island, where locals are showing compassion as conditions worsen.
Latest
1 day ago
At COP28 in Dubai, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a phase out of fossil fuels, the US announced $3 billion in new climate funding and France pushed for nuclear energy as a way to reduce emissions.
1 day ago
South Korea has been ramping up its surveillance capabilities in order to gain a strategic edge over North Korea. The move comes after North Korea launched a satellite of its own in violation of UN resolutions.
1 day ago
Early drafts of the COP28 agreement refer to the "phasedown/out" of fossil fuels, which are responsible for most climate emissions. The final wording will likely be disputed. What's the difference — and does it matter?
1 day ago
Britain and Rwanda have inked a new treaty aimed at rescuing failed plans for the UK to deport asylum-seekers. A top court ruling had blocked the policy, saying it violated human rights laws enshrined in UK legislation.
1 day ago
After the military burned down their village, one community describe their efforts to survive in a diplaced person's camp on the fringes of the jungle in the Sagaing region.
1 day ago
Junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have ditched the G5 anti-jihadist force. Experts say their intended confederation to tackle Islamist insurgents in the Sahel is bound to fail unless they mend ties with ECOWAS.
×

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.