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Sand

A sand mining operation in Rangkasbitung, Indonesia. A global building boom has driven soaring demand for sand for concrete and land reclamation, much of it illegal and damaging to ecosystems and communities.

A global sand grab is wrecking ecosystems and communities around the world

Environment

Sand can seem like the most abundant and inexhaustible thing on Earth. But a global building boom is gobbling up sand — and destroying vital ecosystems around the world — for concrete and landfill.

Sandcastles

Arts, Culture & Media

Sand Creatures That Defy Gravity

Arts, Culture & Media

In Korea, trees planted in Mongolia bring hopes for fewer dust storms

The World

Extreme Sandcastles

The Living On Earth Almanac

This week, we have facts about sandcastles. This month’s International Giant Sand Festival in France is just one of many competitions master sculptors flock to for the perfect sculpting sand.

The World

China Desert

The soil in northern China is turning to sand, and huge dust storms are causing environmental and health problems thousands of miles away. Now, the Chinese government is making control of desertification a national priority. Anne Marie Ruff reports from Inner Mongolia.

The World

Global Hit: Kseniya Simonova

Arts, Culture & Media

Anchor Marco Werman tells us about the dynamic art of sand animation artist Kseniya Simonova, winner of this year’s Ukraine’s Got Talent contest.