The material that could change the world... for a third time

TED-Ed2 minutes read

Romans invented concrete, a crucial material for modern infrastructure, with a significant environmental impact due to its contribution to global warming. Solutions to reduce emissions include clean energy sources, carbon capture technology, and innovative construction techniques.

Insights

  • Concrete, invented by Romans, is a crucial material in modern infrastructure, with an astonishing three tons per person on Earth and enough to build a New York City monthly in the next 40 years.
  • To combat the significant contribution of concrete to global warming, solutions include utilizing clean energy sources for cement production, implementing carbon capture technology, and exploring innovative methods such as reducing cement content or incorporating Roman concrete techniques using volcanic ash for enhanced durability.

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Recent questions

  • How did Romans impact modern construction?

    Romans invented durable concrete shaping modern infrastructure.

  • What percentage of global carbon emissions is from concrete?

    Concrete contributes 8% of worldwide carbon emissions.

  • How can concrete emissions be reduced?

    Solutions include clean electricity, alternative fuels, carbon capture, and innovative approaches.

  • What are some innovative approaches to concrete production?

    Innovative approaches include reducing cement content and using volcanic ash.

  • How much concrete is used annually for construction?

    Enough concrete is used in 40 years to build New York City monthly.

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Summary

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Concrete's Impact on Climate Change and Solutions

  • Romans invented durable material for construction, concrete, which has shaped modern infrastructure, with three tons per person on Earth and enough used in the next 40 years to build a New York City monthly.
  • Concrete contributes significantly to global warming, with 8% of worldwide carbon emissions attributed to it, mainly due to cement production releasing carbon dioxide.
  • Solutions to reduce concrete emissions include using clean electricity or alternative fuels for cement production, implementing carbon capture technology, and exploring innovative approaches like reducing cement content or incorporating Roman concrete techniques using volcanic ash for stronger, longer-lasting structures.
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