UNEP Reports on Global Sand and Gravel Consumption Challenges
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has reported that humanity consumes approximately 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel annually, making it the most used resource after water. This massive consumption is primarily driven by the construction industry, which uses sand and gravel in concrete, asphalt, roads, and foundations. Despite the abundance of sand in deserts, most wind-blown desert sand is too fine and rounded for use in strong concrete, leading cities like Dubai to rely on processed, quarried, or imported materials. UNEP highlights the environmental impact of sand extraction, noting that it can destabilize ecosystems and lead to issues such as coastal erosion and groundwater depletion. 
