China's 'Great Green Wall' tames desert growth, but fight not over
China's decades-long 'Three-North Protective Forest Program,' also known as the 'Great Green Wall,' has significantly reduced desertification across northern China. Millions of workers have used techniques like 'straw checkerboards' and irrigation systems to stabilize sand dunes and plant forests. This initiative has increased forest cover from 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2022, transforming vast regions. While measurable progress has been achieved, scientists caution that continuous efforts are necessary to sustain these gains, especially given ongoing challenges from climate change and human activities.
Key Points
- China's 'Great Green Wall' project has significantly reduced desertification in northern regions.
- The program utilizes techniques like 'straw checkerboards' to stabilize sand dunes and promote plant growth.
- Forest cover in the program area has increased from 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2022.
- Despite measurable progress, scientists emphasize the need for continued efforts to preserve these gains.
- The initiative has transformed areas from 'desertification advancing' to 'greenery advancing'.
Exam Facts
- The 'Three-North Protective Forest Program' was launched in 1978.
- The area of desertified land in northern China peaked in 2000.
- Forest cover in the program area rose from 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2022.
- Zhu Jiaojun, a scientist at the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has studied the program.
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