July 12 marks the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms – a day that reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect our planet! This year’s theme, "Sand and Dust Storms: Working Across Agendas for Resilience and Sustainability," highlights the need for global cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, sand and dust storms now affect 151 countries worldwide, disrupting agriculture, transportation, human health, and more. In response, the United Nations has declared 2025-2034 the Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, pushing for united efforts from governments, businesses, and communities.
On the home front, the Chinese mainland is making striking progress. Since June 2023, more than 6.67 million hectares of reforestation and land restoration have been completed as part of a robust strategy to curb desertification. Programs like the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program have set new records in restoring ecological balance.
In the eastern regions, rapid advances in stabilizing dunes in areas such as Horqin and Hunshandake have seen nearly 948,000 hectares of sand lands brought under control. Meanwhile, efforts around the Great Bend of the Yellow River have rehabilitated over 3.18 million hectares of land, reducing sediment flow into the river.
Innovation is the name of the game! In the west, projects along the Hexi Corridor and near the Taklimakan Desert are expanding forests and grasslands, with reports of the Tengger Desert’s edge retreating by 25 kilometers. High-tech solutions like unmanned drones for seedling delivery and specialized machinery are modernizing desertification control.
From building over 600 km of rural roads in Xilingol, Inner Mongolia, to constructing an 800 km long "photovoltaic corridor" along the edge of the Taklimakan Desert in Xinjiang, the Chinese mainland is showing the world that bold, science-driven initiatives can yield impressive environmental benefits. 🌱🚀
As we enter the first year of the UN Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, these innovative measures serve as a beacon of hope—proving that with global collaboration and cutting-edge technology, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
