14/07/2026
China’s massive “Great Green Wall” reforestation project is showing remarkable results. 🌳
Launched to slow the expansion of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts, the project has become one of the largest tree-planting efforts in history. A new study found that China’s planted forests are increasing their leaf cover about 66% faster than nearby natural forests.
Even after accounting for differences in tree age and local growing conditions, researchers found the planted forests still grew about 4.6% faster than natural forests.
⸻
🌿 Why are they growing so quickly?
Most of these forests are relatively young, allowing them to respond more strongly to rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and produce leaves more rapidly during their early decades.
However, the study found that this growth advantage is temporary, peaking when the trees are around 30–40 years old before gradually slowing.
⸻
🌎 Why does it matter?
Large-scale tree planting can help absorb carbon dioxide, reduce soil erosion, and slow desertification. But researchers emphasize that natural forests remain irreplaceable, as they store carbon for much longer and support far greater biodiversity.
⸻
📄 SOURCE
📌 Luo et al., “Enhanced CO₂ Response and Aging-Related Dynamics Drive Greater Leaf Area Growth in China’s Planted Forests”, Geophysical Research Letters (2026).