科普｜全球沙尘暴挑战与防治之路

Core Viewpoint - Dust storms are a significant global environmental challenge that affects visibility, human health, and economic sustainability, with approximately 2 billion tons of dust entering the atmosphere annually, equivalent to the weight of 307 pyramids of Giza [1][2] Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Dust Storms - Dust storms are defined as phenomena where strong winds lift large amounts of dust, resulting in visibility of less than one kilometer [2] - The duration of dust storms can range from a few hours to several days, with PM10 concentrations exceeding 15,000 micrograms per cubic meter during severe events [2] - Over 80% of the global dust emissions come from deserts in North Africa and the Middle East, with dust being transported hundreds to thousands of kilometers [2] Group 2: Impacts of Dust Storms - At least 25% of global dust emissions are attributed to unsustainable land management and water resource use [3] - Between 2018 and 2022, 3.8 billion people were exposed to dust levels exceeding the World Health Organization's safety threshold, a 31% increase from 2.9 billion people between 2003 and 2007 [3] - Dust storms cause significant economic losses, with the U.S. alone suffering $154 billion in damages due to dust and wind erosion in 2017, more than triple the estimated losses in 1995 [3][4] Group 3: Global Efforts to Combat Dust Storms - The World Meteorological Organization established a dust storm warning and assessment system in 2007 to enhance forecasting and reduce impacts [5] - The United Nations Dust Storm Alliance was formed in 2019 to promote coordinated responses to dust storms, comprising 19 members from various organizations [5] - July 12 has been designated as "International Dust Storm Prevention Day," and the decade from 2025 to 2034 has been declared as the "Decade for Dust Storm Prevention" [6] Group 4: China's Initiatives - China has prioritized dust storm prevention through ecological projects like desertification control and the "Three-North" shelter forest program, achieving a dual reduction in desertified and sandy land areas [7] - The country has successfully completed a 3,046-kilometer ecological barrier around the Taklamakan Desert and actively participates in global desertification governance [7]