We're not running out of limestone anytime soon, but otherwise this is a bit off-target. All of the alternative construction techniques you mention have advantages over reinforced concrete. Concrete also has its advantages, but TFA is not wrong about the disadvantages.
When I traveled to Philippines earlier this year I was struck by how they use masonry in situations that in USA would be reinforced concrete. Granted, the blocks are all CMUs, but the technique is masonry. I think it's because very few roads (at least in the places I traveled) would be suitable for standard 6-yard concrete trucks, whereas you can always throw a few dozen blocks on the back of a motorcycle. Of course labor costs are also a factor. However, concrete in block form is totally recyclable, while as TFA notes when poured it is not.
There was an article on HN some time ago on how we are running out of the type of sand necessary for concrete. There is apparently a big black market for sand stolen from rivers and beaches, leading to violence and environmental problems.
I guess that probably happens some places. I haven't seen it though, and I recently tore down a block building for a friend who has since built a foundation with the blocks. I don't think concrete would be a great material in an earthquake in any configuration. If you have to mix up concrete for pouring anyway, I'm not sure why you'd build a wall first when you could just place some forms instead, which would take much less time.
Yeah, if you're in an earthquake zone, like the Pacific Ring of Fire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_of_Fire), which most certainly includes California and the Philippines, you're eventually going to be very unhappy if you don't reinforce them.
When I traveled to Philippines earlier this year I was struck by how they use masonry in situations that in USA would be reinforced concrete. Granted, the blocks are all CMUs, but the technique is masonry. I think it's because very few roads (at least in the places I traveled) would be suitable for standard 6-yard concrete trucks, whereas you can always throw a few dozen blocks on the back of a motorcycle. Of course labor costs are also a factor. However, concrete in block form is totally recyclable, while as TFA notes when poured it is not.