The Sands are Approaching Beijing

One-fifth of China’s countryside covered with sand from the Gobi desert, and sand dunes are a mere 150 km away from Beijing, advancing at 2 KM / year. The Chinese understand that deforestation is the cause, and afforestation is now a big part of their national program. They have planted 62 million hectares of artificial forests, achieving their goals ahead of schedule. Much of these trees were planted in time for the Green Olympics, forming a Green Wall.  Here in Tianjin, there are crews planting trees all along the roadways.