China expands forest cover with massive reforestation program

Since 1978 the Chinese government has pursued the Three‑North Shelter Forest Program, often called the "Green Great Wall," to halt desertification and increase forested area. The initiative mobilises millions of workers and state investment, aiming to plant up to 500,000 square kilometres of trees – an area comparable to Spain – with some sources citing as much as 90 million hectares.

Desertified land in northern China peaked around 2000. Official data show a roughly 10 % decline in overall desertified area since then, while severely desertified zones have shrunk by more than 40 %. Forest coverage in the program’s target region has risen from about 5 % in 1978 to 14 % in 2022. Officials attribute the success to sustained political commitment, large‑scale labour, and recent increases in precipitation. Barron Joseph Orr of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification noted the programme’s long‑term political backing, and a worker quoted the AP saying, "The success in the fight against desertification is due to the hard work of people and a bit of luck with the climate."