TED: How we could make carbon-negative concrete | Tom Schuler

The video discusses the widespread use of concrete and its environmental impact, particularly the CO2 emissions from cement production. It introduces a new cement chemistry that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 70% and eliminates water use. The new method involves curing concrete with CO2, making it stronger and more durable. The video also highlights the challenges of adopting this innovation in a traditional industry and explores future possibilities of making concrete a carbon sink.

What is the primary environmental concern associated with cement production?

• Soil erosion

• Deforestation

• Water pollution

• CO2 emissions

What is the main challenge with using CO2 to cure traditional concrete?

• It makes the concrete too soft

• It requires special equipment

• Portland Cement reacts with both water and CO2

• It increases the cost of production

How does the new cement chemistry reduce CO2 emissions?

• By eliminating the use of sand

• By using less limestone and lower kiln temperatures

• By using more limestone

• By firing the kiln at a higher temperature

What is one of the benefits of the new cement technology?

• It is less durable

• It makes concrete more expensive

• It reduces the curing time to 24 hours

• It requires more water

How can the new concrete technology potentially become carbon negative?

• By using more water during curing

• By reducing the amount of sand

• By incorporating waste CO2 into useful chemicals

• By increasing the amount of cement used