Group 1 - The core theme of the article is the global concern regarding sandstorms, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat sandstorm disasters and protect the environment [1][2] - Sandstorms are caused by climate change, drought, and land degradation, affecting approximately 330 million people worldwide and releasing about 2 billion tons of dust into the atmosphere annually [1] - The economic impact of sandstorms includes billions of dollars in losses due to damage to infrastructure, increased healthcare costs, and disruption of social activities [1] Group 2 - China's "Three-North" project has received international recognition, including the "Global 500" award from the United Nations Environment Programme, highlighting its significant achievements in combating desertification [2] - Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, China has rehabilitated 36.5 million acres of desertified land and established a protected area of 2.794 million acres, showing a positive trend in ecological improvement [2] - The long-term commitment to combating desertification is emphasized, with a focus on transforming barren lands into green areas, which requires collective efforts from all sectors of society [2]

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]