Rammed earth: What is it and can it help tackle climate change?
Why an alternative construction technique is becoming increasingly popular
What in the World · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
Cement is said to be responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions. In the search for an alternative, more sustainable construction material, building companies in Ghana and other African countries are reviving an ancient technique called ‘rammed earth’. Daniel Dadzie, a BBC reporter from Ghana, explains how you make it and why it’s seen as a greener option. Architect and academic Kuukuwa Manful explains the history of rammed earth and how European colonial authorities discouraged indigenous African building styles.
Also: Fardowsa Osman, a BBC Somali reporter, describes the effect of the floods in Somalia and BBC Meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker explains the two weather patterns that contributed to the devastation.
Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks