China has planted 78 billion trees to combat desertification
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is being observed under the theme of respecting and protecting rangelands. The issue is becoming increasingly relevant as heatwaves and droughts intensify due to climate change, reports «24KZ». One of the world's leading countries in combating desertification is Kazakhstan’s close neighbor, China.
The main focus of this year's World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is the preservation of rangelands. These areas cover more than half of the Earth's land surface and play a crucial role in ensuring food and water security. However, up to half of all rangelands have already degraded or are under threat. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), this poses significant risks to ecosystems and rural communities. The observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994.
Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification:
- Rangelands are vital for food, water, biodiversity, and climate resilience. By recognizing their value, respecting their traditional custodians, and restoring degraded lands, we can strengthen the livelihoods of two billion people.
This year, Kenya will host the global observance of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. It will be the first time in nearly a decade that Africa has hosted an event of this scale. UN experts note that drought has become a major global challenge due to climate change. Temperatures continue to rise, and periods of extreme heat are becoming longer and more frequent. Forecasts are alarming: by 2050, droughts are expected to affect approximately 75% of the world’s population.
Melissa Seabrook, climatologist:
- Over the next five years, we expect temperatures to remain above average across most of the globe, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere and over land areas. The probability of exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is now 91%. An increasing number of scientists believe that the world is unlikely to stay below the 1.5-degree threshold. Extraordinary measures are required to address this challenge. It is critically important to limit warming as much as possible.
Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to drought. Expanding deserts threaten thousands of lives every year. In particular, the vast Sahara Desert, which effectively divides Africa into northern and southern regions, has reportedly expanded by around 10% over the past century. To address this challenge, the Great Green Wall initiative was launched, covering more than 20 countries across the Sahel region, where the desert meets fertile lands. Established in the mid-2000s under UN leadership, the long-term project aims to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030 through large-scale planting efforts.
Melissa Seabrook, climatologist:
- The Sahel is a particularly interesting region because it has experienced severe droughts over the past 30 years. Increased rainfall in the Sahel may indicate a reduction in drought frequency. This could lead to more favorable growing seasons, but it may also increase the risk of flooding in a region that typically receives limited rainfall.
According to the UN, nearly 30% of the project has been completed over the past two decades. The Great Green Wall is considered one of the most ambitious environmental projects in the world. Once completed, the restored green areas are expected to absorb millions of tons of carbon annually and create up to 10 million jobs.
It is also important to note that China is currently a global leader in combating desertification. The country has implemented some of the world’s most effective programs for transforming barren land into forests and agricultural areas. One such initiative is known as China’s Great Green Wall, which aims to reduce the expansion of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. These efforts continue to evolve with the use of modern technologies, including drones. According to official statistics, China has planted approximately 78 billion trees in vulnerable regions. As a result, the country’s forest coverage has increased by 15% since the middle of the twentieth century.
Lin Jiali, Director of a State Investment Company:
- We use drones to transport trees, solar panels, and even to retrieve fish from reservoirs. Traditional transportation methods required human labor and pack animals. Drones help reduce labor costs and, more importantly, improve worker safety. We also use drones to inspect highways and national roads as part of disaster prevention efforts.
However, environmental experts note that such large-scale landscape transformations do not always have positive effects on the environment. A study published in "Earth’s Future" found that afforestation projects on the Tibetan Plateau have led to reduced water reserves because of increased water consumption by newly planted trees.