Editorial | China’s long fight to reclaim land from the sand

Not for a decade has northern China been so badly affected by sand and dust storms. The images of Beijing shrouded in a choking yellow cloud are a reminder that despite the best efforts to stop the spread of deserts and prevent overgrazing by animals, goals cannot be attained overnight.

Complicating matters is climate change, which is behind rising temperatures, lower rainfall and stronger winds. These are things the nation can do its part to alleviate through resolute policies, but cannot bring in check without a global effort.

Sand and dust blown by strong winds from the Gobi Desert drift across northern regions every March and April. But this year the clouds have been especially choking and the affected area greater than usual, with 12 provinces hit.

Air quality readings of small particulates have soared off scales to dangerously unhealthy levels. Questions are being asked about the effectiveness of anti-desertification and land conservation measures.

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Worst sandstorm in a decade hits Chinese capital, Beijing

Worst sandstorm in a decade hits Chinese capital, Beijing

The effort is mammoth by any standard, with about 27 per cent of the nation’s land considered to be desert. Dunes have formed just 70km (43 miles) from Beijing; a “great green wall” of trees has been created to trap the dust and air corridors formed to channel winds so that sand and pollutants can pass through faster.