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Something Weird Is Going on With the 66 Billion Trees China Planted in a Huge Wall
Futurism • • world
Key Points:
- China has planted 66 billion trees over five decades in the "Great Green Wall" to combat desertification in the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts, increasing forest cover from 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2023 and improving air quality in nearby cities.
- A new study found that trees in this artificial forest grow faster than those in natural forests, possibly due to better responses to rising atmospheric CO2 levels, with leaf area increasing 66% faster overall.
- Even when comparing forests of similar age and conditions, planted trees grew about 4.6% faster, especially between 30 to 40 years old, although this growth advantage declines sharply afterward.
- The study highlights that while planted forests are effective for short-term carbon uptake, natural forests provide more stable and long-term carbon storage and ecological resilience.
- Researchers emphasize the need to distinguish between forest types and age dynamics in climate models to improve forest policy and carbon accounting strategies.
