Environment

Learning to Embrace Cement

Better PlanetBy Benjamin NugentSep 4, 2008 1:43 AM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

A California scientist and cement obsessive has started to churn out cement that doesn't emit much carbon. Since we're not going to stop the world's population from expanding (realistically, any time soon) we should pave paradise the nice way.

The big questions, as always, are: how much, how fast how cheap? Cement Guy claims cheaper than the normal cement. And that making it in bulk is no problem. And that its manufacturing process can actually absorb emissions from polluters like coal power plants. Cement accounts for about five percent of the carbon emissions in the world -- eliminating its contribution to global warming would be the equivalent of eliminating America. Or almost eliminating China. What a weird twist of fate that would be: if the way to make the world greener were to make it look more like one the post-industrial backdrops in the Halo games.

Image: flickr/billjacobus1

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.