China's Green Belt: A Global Model for Combating Desertification
China has completed a 1,800-mile tree belt around the Taklamakan Desert, known as the 'Green Great Wall,' after 46 years of effort. This project, part of the Three-North Shelterbelt initiative, aims to combat desertification and improve air quality by reducing dust storms. Despite challenges like tree die-offs and ecological concerns, the initiative has increased China's forest coverage to 25% and reduced the Gobi Desert's size. Future plans include planting orchards to boost local economies.