To: Les H who wrote (45837 ) 5/11/2025 8:14:31 AM From: Les H 1 RecommendationRecommended By
Read Replies (1) | Respond to 600,000 people are working on a colossal Chinese project—comparable in size to Germany—to unexpectedly halt the Taklamakan Desert weather patterns , agriculture , and human health . In response, China has deployed a combination of green belts and sand control measures that rely on solar energy to “lock” the desert’s edges in place. This project not only aims to protect the fragile desert ecology but also safeguard critical infrastructure, including railways and roadways , that traverse the region.This colossal project has been decades in the making. The initial phase took a full 40 years to complete, covering 2,761 kilometers of desert. But the real scale of this initiative came to life in November 2022 when 600,000 people were mobilized for the final phase. These individuals planted desert-tolerant species , including desert poplars, red willows, and saxaul trees, known for their resilience in harsh, arid climates. The planting of these trees is helping to halt the desert’s encroachment, but it’s also contributing to a broader environmental and economic transformation. Along with the green belt, a massive energy project is underway in the Taklamakan Desert. The China Three Gorges Corporation is planning a huge renewable energy initiative that will harness the region’s abundant resources. This project will include 8.5 gigawatts of solar power and 4 gigawatts of wind energy , with completion expected in the next four years. Once finished, it will further position the Xinjiang region as a renewable energy leader , integrating clean energy into China’s broader energy strategy. glassalmanac.com
