Sand Wars: A documentary and presentation

Gary Griggs will introduce the topic of sand, demands for its use, and human impacts on the sand supply system in California and Monterey Bay. The movie, Sand Wars is a surprising and disturbing investigation into one of the most consumed natural resources on the planet. Due to the high demand for sand, the planet's resources are being consumed at an increasing rate. Three-quarters of the world's beaches are in decline and are threatened with disappearance as victims of dams and reservoirs, erosion, or sand mining or smuggling. Triggered by construction, smuggling bands or "sand mafias" plunder beaches and rivers across the globe for this highly-prized commodity. Although sand is seen as an abundant and free material, a necessary part of our beach vacations, is the supply unlimited? Sand Wars takes us around the world to witness this gold rush firsthand.