China's green wall initiative boosts tree survival and reduces desertification in northern regions using advanced tech and strategic planting.

China is accelerating its fight against desertification by expanding its "green wall" initiative across northern regions like Inner Mongolia and Ningxia, using drones, remote sensing, and mechanized planting to boost tree survival. On National Tree Planting Day, 2026, the country reported forest and grass coverage exceeding 56%, driven by the decades-long Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. In Alxa League, vegetation rose from under 5% to over 40%, and river sediment dropped significantly. Inner Mongolia plans to green 40 million mu this year, while Ningxia times plantings to match soil moisture, improving sapling success. Once-hit by sandstorms, these areas now show ecological recovery, reflecting sustained progress in reversing desertification.