The second most-used substance on Earth could be a climate solution

Science · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Concrete is a cornerstone of modern civilization, but its production carries a massive environmental price tag. This video explores a pioneering new cement technology designed to significantly lower the carbon footprint of our global infrastructure.

Concrete is currently responsible for 8 percent of the world's carbon footprint. To address this, researcher Karen Scrivener highlights LC3, a pioneering new kind of cement. If adopted at scale, this material has the potential to slash carbon emissions from concrete production by 40 percent.

The innovation matters because concrete is the second most-used substance on Earth, trailing only water. Transitioning to LC3 offers a tangible pathway to decarbonize the building materials essential to human development.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Could a new type of cement slash global carbon emissions by 40%?
• Can we turn concrete into a carbon sink for the planet?
• Can we turn a major pollutant into a building block?
• Why the world's most common building material is heating the planet
• Can we transform one of Earth's greatest climate villains into a hero?
• Is organic chemistry actually as intimidating as it seems?
• The enzyme we once feared might actually be a cellular ally
• The 1989 morning that changed how computers solve the world's hardest problems
• The scientist who was told his equations were impossible to understand
• The next generation of telescopes will defy conventional engineering
• The visceral moment a Nigerian scientist saw the internet's birth
• Why an undefeated champion chose to walk away from the spotlight

More in Science · Latest · A–Z · All topics