{
  "id": 14689307,
  "title": "The surprisingly hopeful quest to fix concrete",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/the-surprisingly-hopeful-quest-to-fix-concrete",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-15T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Vox",
    "slug": "vox",
    "url": "https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/506400/low-carbon-concrete-climate-change-technology"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Concrete, a material infamous for its environmental impact, could potentially play a pivotal role in saving our planet. This fascinating story begins with the Romans, who discovered the secret to creating durable concrete using volcanic ash and lime. This discovery revolutionized architecture, enabling the construction of structures that have stood the test of time. However, for centuries after the fall of Rome, concrete was largely forgotten until the 18th century when an English mason rediscovered its potential when mixed with limestone and clay. From that point on, concrete became an integral part of modern life, reshaping the world in ways that have often come at a cost to the environment.\n\nToday, a new wave of innovators is looking at concrete in a different light. They're seeking to develop greener, more durable alternatives to the traditional method of producing concrete, which releases massive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. The outcomes are promising, ranging from self-healing concrete to electroconductive concrete that can store energy and even a blend that captures more CO2 than it emits. These innovations suggest that concrete, once considered one of the dirtiest substances ever concocted, could become a tool to combat climate change, transforming our built environment in a positive manner.\n\nThe history of concrete is a testament to its transformative power. From Roman temples and aqueducts to modern skyscrapers and highways, concrete has been at the heart of human civilization, albeit with a heavy environmental toll. Unlike its ancient counterparts, modern concrete decays quickly, requiring constant repairs and repouring, which only exacerbates its environmental impact. However, the potential of concrete to contribute positively to the environment and society is immense, even though it starts with a radical shift in our approach to its production and use.",
  "summary": "No, Rome was not built in a day, but it was built at breathtaking speed, its temples, amphitheaters, and aqueducts rising with the help of a magical blend of volcanic ash and lime. Today, that miraculous mortar has a less than enchanting name: concrete. “Romans lived through a true architectural revolution, and at the foundation […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Romans discovered durable concrete using volcanic ash and lime",
    "Innovators seek greener, more durable concrete alternatives",
    "Self-healing, electroconductive, and CO2-absorbing concrete developed"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}