Desertification and Sandstorms in Northern China

The transcript discusses the desertification of northern China, particularly around Beijing, due to sand encroachment. Sandstorms pose significant health and environmental challenges, affecting visibility and causing delays and accidents. China's meteorological bureau has developed a system to predict sandstorms, aiding in mitigation efforts. Forestation projects, like the Green Great Wall, have shown some success in reducing desert areas, but the threat of further desertification remains.

What has caused the farmland in Hub Province to become deserted?

• Over-farming

• Sand dunes encroachment

• Urban development

• Flooding

What percentage of China's land is now desert?

• 25%

• 17%

• 30%

• 10%

What is believed to be a major cause of China's sandstorm problem?

• Climate change

• Industrial pollution

• Rapid development

• Deforestation

How far in advance can the new monitoring system predict sandstorms?

• 4 days

• 3 days

• 1 day

• 2 days

What is one of the major inconveniences caused by sandstorms?

• Noise pollution

• Water contamination

• Reduced visibility

• Power outages

What health issue is exacerbated by sandstorms?

• Respiratory problems

• Eye infections

• Digestive issues

• Skin irritation

What is the 'green Great Wall'?

• A network of roads

• A new urban development

• A tree planting initiative

• A series of dams

Since when has there been a slight reduction in desert areas in northern China?

• 2015

• 2010

• 2001

• 1990

What is the ultimate goal of the forestation efforts in northern China?

• To boost tourism

• To prevent desertification

• To stop urban sprawl

• To increase agricultural land