Cement has a climate problem — here’s how geopolymers with add-ins like cork could help fix it

Cement is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and demand is growing as the population booms. Alternatives could help lower the impact.

By: Alcina Johnson Sudagar, Washington University in St. Louis, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 12, 2026

Words: 1,274

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Alcina Johnson Sudagar, Washington University in St. Louis

Concrete is all around you – in the foundation of your home, the bridges you drive over, the sidewalks and buildings of cities. It is often described as the second-most used material by volume on Earth after water.

But the way concrete is made today also makes it a major contributor to climate change.

Portland cement, the key component of concrete, is responsible for about …

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