In keeping with the theme of environmentalism in China and its increasingly importance in Chinese politics, I recently discovered an article online published last week regarding China’s green movement. In the opening of this article by Coco Liu, the author describes how China struck a lucky note in regards to reducing C02 in the atmosphere as a result of its economic mobilization. The projects that emphasize planting trees has done a great amount in regards to reducing C02 emissions as well as provided economic benefits. In addition to fewer C02 emissions, scientists have also discovered an increase in rainfall in these areas. Since 1979, 100,000 sq. miles have been designated as reforestation areas which are beginning to see more rain and fewer CO2. One worry that scientists are monitoring is the possibility that the trees are absorbing necessary nutrients, but otherwise the effort seems to be proving itself useful. Ultimately, the moral of this article is that reforestation methods used in parts of northern China could be a key for fighting increased pollution and assisting in returning China’s ecology to at least a glimpse of its former glory.
Source: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-s-great-green-wall-helps-pull-co2-out-of-atmosphere/