Sand for use in hydraulic fracturing operations at a processing plant in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin in 2011. AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) September 7, 2017 The world is facing a global sand crisis Aurora Torres, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research; Jianguo "Jack" Liu, Michigan State University; Jodi Brandt, Boise State University, and Kristen Lear, University of Georgia Overuse of sand for construction and industry is harming the environment and fueling violence around the world. Scientists explain why we need international rules to regulate sand mining and use.