China Planted 78B New Trees Affecting Its Water Cycle
China has planted approximately 78 billion trees since the 1980s as part of large-scale reforestation efforts, significantly increasing forest coverage across the country. A 2025 study found that these efforts have altered regional water cycles by increasing evapotranspiration, leading to reduced water availability in eastern and northwestern China while increasing precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau. Researchers emphasize the need to consider hydrological impacts in future land management and reforestation planning.
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ScienceOur PlanetChina Planted 78 Billion New Trees—and Seriously Messed Up Its Water CycleChina Planted 78 Billion New Trees—and Seriously Messed Up Its Water CycleThe country has planted a bunch of new trees since 1981, but that extra foliage is shifting more precipitation to some areas while drying out others.By Darren OrfPublished: Apr 25, 2026 8:34 AM EDTListen (5 min)5 minNurPhoto//Getty ImagesGear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link.
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