🌳 China has planted 66 billion trees: the consequences on our atmosphere

In China, planted forests are growing faster than natural forests. This result, revealed by a new study, shows that these trees, from vast reforestation programs, are better benefiting from the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Since 1978, China has planted 66 billion trees as part of its "Great Green Wall", a project aimed at slowing the advance of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. These artificial forests absorb large amounts of CO₂, but their behavior differs from that of natural forests, which grow without human intervention.


Researchers used satellite data to measure the leaf area index, an indicator of canopy density and carbon absorption capacity. Result: planted forests increase their leaf area 66% faster than natural forests. This difference is largely explained by age, as young trees grow more quickly.

Even when comparing forests of similar age and conditions, planted forests still grow 4.6% faster. This gain is attributed to active management: selection of fast-growing species such as eucalyptus and poplar, removal of competing vegetation, and fertilization. These interventions amplify the fertilizing effect and absorption of atmospheric CO₂. The advantage of planted forests peaks between 30 and 40 years, then declines markedly after 40 years.

Other experts, such as Kevin Dsouza, note that the leaf area index is only an approximation. Carbon is stored in wood, bark, roots, and soil. Previous studies on Chinese forests show that natural forests accumulate more carbon on the surface than planted forests during the early years.

Global climate models do not always distinguish between forest types or their age-related dynamics. This research offers a practical guide for forest-based climate actions: when to plant, which species to choose, how long the benefits last, and what current models overlook.