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

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TEDEd Animation

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Today roads, sidewalks, bridges, and skyscrapers are made of a material called concrete (aka cement). There’s three tons of it for every person on Earth. It’s also played a surprisingly large role in rising global temperatures over the last century. What exactly makes concrete problematic, and what can we do to fix it? Explore how scientists are working to create a more sustainable concrete.

How does making cement release carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Lisa LaBracio
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Storyboard Artist Wing Luo
  • Illustrator Luísa Holanda
  • Animator Murilo Jardim
  • Art Director Luísa Holanda
  • Music André Aires
  • Sound Designer André Aires
  • Hype Producer Taíla Soliman
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Hype Executive Producer Gabriel Garcia
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor George Zaidan
  • Fact-Checker Jennifer Nam

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