| Experts: Sahara Desert To Run Out Of Sand |
RABAT, MOROCCO - Scientists and environmental experts gathered at the World Resource Inventory Summit warned today that the Sahara desert is in jeopardy of running out of sand in the near future. A presentation in the morning session revealed the sobering fact that millions of tons of sand are blown into the Atlantic Ocean each year,
with airborne particles sometimes reaching the Americas.
"How long can something like that go on?" asked Humri Fajlalahal, Director of the World Sand Conservation Initiative. "Obviously, something must be done. I don't think anyone wants our children to grow up in a world
with a sandless desert. More importantly, many of the countries that make up the Sahara are nearly completely made out of sand. What is to become of them?"
Opinions on possible solutions to the crisis differ. "The solution that immediately comes to mind, of course, is to dig the sand back out of the Atlantic." says Gerald W. Lightloafers, Executive Committee Co-Chairman of the Summit. "But preventative measures may provide a more permanent solution. We can perhaps capture the sand before it
gets to the ocean, or somehow inhibit the sand from being relocated in the first place."
Inventive but unpopular commercial solutions have also surfaced. "We can create thousands of jobs manufacturing replacement sand with very little start-up efforts." says C. Gordon Coolingtower, President and CEO of World Power Conglomerate."There are almost unlimited raw materials for making sand already in the area."
"This is not the time to be trying to make a quick buck." snapped Lightloafers. "We're not going to leave the Sahara littered with sand factories when more environmentally friendly options are available."
Scientists theorize the sand is being blown into the Atlantic by high winds from the east. Efforts may focus on prevention or nullification of the effects of those winds. "We need to go to the source, and keep the sand where it is." says Fajlalahal. "Entire countries are being displaced."
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