What's Happening?
China has been actively expanding its forest coverage through the Three-North Shelterbelt Program, also known as the 'Green Great Wall' project. Initiated in 1978, this program spans 13 provinces across northern China, aiming to combat desertification
and soil erosion in drought-prone areas. The project has significantly increased China's forest coverage to nearly 25 percent, as reported by official statistics. The Kubuqi Desert, China's seventh-largest, has been a focal point of these efforts, with initiatives such as sand-control stations and windbreaks being established since the 1950s and 1960s. Recent developments include the integration of vast solar installations, further aiding in the transformation of the desert landscape. Over the past five years, China has greened over 90 million acres of land, including the addition of over a million acres of new forests.
Why It's Important?
The 'Green Great Wall' project is a critical component of China's broader climate mitigation strategy, contributing to carbon uptake and supporting jobs in forestry-related sectors. The transformation of the Kubuqi Desert and other areas not only helps in reducing desertification but also provides environmental benefits such as clean water and oxygen production. For instance, the Saihanba forest, once a barren plateau, now provides nearly 5 billion cubic feet of clean water annually to major cities like Beijing and Tianjin. This initiative demonstrates China's commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development, setting an example for other nations facing similar ecological challenges.
What's Next?
China's government plans to continue backing the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program with the goal of completing it by 2050. This long-term commitment indicates ongoing efforts to expand forest coverage and further mitigate desertification. The success of this project could lead to increased international collaboration in environmental restoration and climate change mitigation. As China continues to invest in green technologies and sustainable practices, it may also influence global environmental policies and encourage other countries to adopt similar initiatives.
