Impact Of Sand Winning On Climate Change

By:  Ayovor Stephanie Agarthar Elorm

Sand winning, also known as sand mining, refers to the extraction of sand from natural sources such as rivers, beaches, and sand dunes. Sand mining (extraction) is defined as the removal of primary (virgin) natural sand and sand resources (mineral sands and aggregates) from the natural environment (terrestrial, riverine, coastal, or marine) for extracting valuable minerals, metals, crushed stone, sand and gravel for subsequent processing (UNEP, 2019). Sand mining has tripled in the past two decades, with demand reaching 50 billion tonnes a year in 2019, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Indeed, the volume of sand and gravel used each year is enough to build a wall around the equator measuring 27 metres high by 27 metres wide. (AGENDA, 2023) It is often done to meet the demand for construction materials. However, sand winning can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, erosion, and the depletion of natural resources. It is important to consider sustainable alternatives and practices to minimize these effects. This article highlights the impact of sand winning on the environment and climate change.

To begin with, sandmining leads to habitat destruction. Plants and some animal species which includes certain species of turtles, like the leatherback and loggerhead turtles, which lay their eggs on sandy beaches, sand crabs, sandpipers, and various types of shorebirds also rely on sandy habitats for foraging and nesting. These animals have adapted to the unique characteristics of sandy environments and play important roles in their respective ecosystems. Therefore, sand mining can disrupt and destroy the habitats of these various plant and animal species that depend on sandy ecosystems. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Another impact of sand winning in the environment is erosion and coastal degradation. Sand mining occurs in various coastal areas in Ghana, including but not limited to areas such as Ada, Keta, and Axim. These locations have been known to have sand mining activities. Removing sand from beaches and coastal areas can contribute to erosion and coastal degradation. It can weaken natural barriers against storms and increase the vulnerability of coastal communities to flooding and other natural disasters.

Moving on, sand winning can indirectly contribute to climate change through its impact on ecosystems and natural resources. 

One of the common ways sandmining affects the ecosystem is deforestation and carbon emissions. Sand winning often involves clearing vegetation and trees in sand-rich areas. Deforestation releases stored carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Furthermore, sand mining leads to loss of carbon sink. Natural habitats, including sandy ecosystems, can act as carbon sinks by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. When these habitats are destroyed or disrupted by sand winning, the capacity to sequester carbon is reduced, leading to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

In addition, energy intensive extraction and transportation is a result of sand winning. The process of extracting and transporting sand requires significant energy, often derived from fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.

In conclusion, it is crucial to promote sustainable practices in the construction industry, such as reducing sand consumption, using alternative materials, and adopting efficient transportation methods, to minimize the impact of sand winning on climate change.

References

(n.d.).

AGENDA, D. (2023). SANDMINNING IS BEING CLOSE TO BEING AN ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS. WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM.

UNEP. (2019). SAND MINING.