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With 3 kilometers of forests, China transforms the Taklamakan Desert into an environmental landmark and advances in the largest reforestation project in the WORLD!

Written by Deborah Araújo
Published 23/12/2024 às 10:43
With 3 kilometers of forests, China transforms the Taklamakan Desert into an environmental landmark and advances in the largest reforestation project in the WORLD!
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China is leading the world's largest reforestation project to combat desertification in the Taklamakan Desert, transforming 3 kilometers of arid land into green, sustainable forests!

The world’s largest reforestation project: China is leading one of the most ambitious ecological projects in history. Known as the “Great Green Wall,” the plan involves planting billions of trees around deserts such as the Taklamakan and Gobi, with the aim of stopping desertification and reducing the impacts of sandstorms. This initiative promises to change the landscape of affected areas and protect millions of people from the consequences of advancing deserts.

What is the Great Green Wall?

A “Great Green Wall” of China It is a monumental effort to create a forest barrier along the edges of large deserts, such as the Taklamakan. This “wall” is not made of rocks, but of trees, many of them red willows and sacsaoul, planted to combat soil erosion and block winds that blow sand.

The world’s largest reforestation project began in 1978 and is expected to be completed by 2050. When completed, the green belt will have around 100 billion trees covering thousands of kilometers. This ecological engineering project aims to reduce the spread of desertification, which currently affects more than 27% of China’s land.

Desertification: the enemy that threatens ecosystems and populations in various parts of the world

Desertification is a growing problem that turns fertile lands into arid areas. This process, caused by natural factors and human activities such as deforestation and agricultural practices unsustainable, threatens ecosystems and populations in various parts of the world.

In China, the problem is alarming. More than 400 million people are directly affected by the advance of deserts, which harms agriculture and quality of life. Sandstorms generated in these deserts are not limited to Chinese territory: particles can cross continents, causing respiratory problems in distant populations.

A recent report by ONU warned that 77,6% of the planet's land was drier in 2020 than it was three decades ago. Desertification, according to the study, is a “global existential danger” and requires urgent and innovative solutions.

Progress in protecting against deserts

China's decision to build the Great Green Wall aims to halt the advance of sand and protect essential agricultural areas for the country. The Taklamakan Desert, for example, is already completely surrounded by more than 3 kilometers of planted forests.

This green barrier reduces the strength of winds and minimizes damage caused by sandstorms, protecting the surrounding land. In addition, reforestation helps stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and allowing the recovery of degraded areas.

Criticism of the world's largest reforestation project

Despite its positive impact, the world's largest reforestation project has also been the target of criticism. Many experts question the effectiveness of planting non-native trees in desert regions, arguing that it could lead to problems such as ecological imbalance and excessive water consumption in areas where the resource is scarce.

Some studies also point out that so-called “green walls” are not always effective in containing sandstorms. This is because, depending on the species of tree planted, the belts may not be able to withstand the extreme conditions of deserts.

Still, the Chinese government remains determined. For Beijing, the benefits of the project outweigh the risks. The country sees the initiative as a opportunity to lead global efforts in the fight against desertification.

Positive impacts of the world's largest reforestation project

Although there are criticisms, the progress already made in China shows that the project can bring several benefits. Among the main impacts are:

  • Protection of agricultural land: The green barrier helps to preserve fertile areas essential for food production in the country;
  • Reduction of sandstorms: By blocking strong winds, planted forests reduce the intensity and frequency of storms;
  • Soil stabilization: With less erosion, the soil has a better chance of recovering and supporting new life forms;
  • Climate benefits: Increasing forest cover contributes to carbon capture, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

These advances make the Great Green Wall an example of how local actions can have a global impact in combating environmental degradation.

An inspiring solution for the world

The Great Green Wall of China is more than just a response to the country’s growing desertification. It is also an example of how determination and investment in environmental projects can transform landscapes and protect populations.

With the Taklamakan Desert fenced off and plans to expand the belt into the Gobi Desert, China is showing that combating environmental degradation is possible, even on a massive scale. Despite criticism, the project remains an inspiration for other nations to tackle similar challenges.

The planet needs ambitious initiatives like this. And if the Great Green Wall can deliver on its promise, it will be a milestone in combating desertification and preserving the future of the global environment.

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Carlos Pereira
Carlos Pereira
23/12/2024 12:48

Desertification is a real threat if deforestation and burning in the AMAZON FOREST BIOME continues to advance without a Federal and State policy implemented “A NATIONAL LAW AIMED AT “ZERO BURNINGS” with heavy punishments and fines for COMPANIES AND PEOPLE who commit this type of ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME throughout BRAZIL”.

Geraldo Araujo
Geraldo Araujo
In reply to  Carlos Pereira
23/12/2024 18:50

Dreaming, still doesn't pay taxes.

Francis of Paula Neto
Francis of Paula Neto
In reply to  Carlos Pereira
29/12/2024 14:01

Excuse me, sir, but Brazil already has world-leading environmental legislation. This is unnecessary. We should continue with our environmental policy in accordance with current legislation and allow our economy to grow without threatening the environment, while continuing to grow while ensuring a reduction in food costs. This process, which began in the 1960s, has been successful, and we went from being food importers to the largest food exporter on the planet. One of the greatest environmental enemies is poverty, which brings with it hunger and disease. Look at this situation on the African continent.

Adilson
Adilson
23/12/2024 16:34

In Brazil, forests are already being deforested.

Antonio Magalhães Queiroz
Antonio Magalhães Queiroz
In reply to  Adilson
24/12/2024 16:29

Forests in Brazil are burned due to few punishments, the inflator burned as punishment and should plant twice the burned area and another fine.

Deborah Araújo

I write about renewable energy, automobiles, science and technology, industry and the main trends in the job market. With a close eye on global developments and daily updates, I am dedicated to always sharing relevant information.

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