1. Desertification in the Loess Plateau and Inner Mongolia

1. Desertification in the Loess Plateau and Inner Mongolia
In the 2020s, desertification in the Loess Plateau and Inner Mongolia has worsened. About 1.5 million hectares of soil are lost annually, severely affecting agriculture and local ecosystems. The expansion of the Gobi Desert has led to more frequent sandstorms in Beijing, increasing health risks. Despite the government's efforts to promote reforestation under the "Ecological Civilization Construction" initiative, the impact remains limited, and large-scale environmental measures are urgently needed.

2. Water Pollution in the Yangtze and Yellow River Basins
Water pollution in the Yangtze and Yellow River basins has worsened due to industrial wastewater, particularly heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic contaminating the rivers. In the 2020s, this issue has become more critical with rapid industrialization. While the government has strengthened environmental regulations for some companies, comprehensive monitoring and corporate cooperation are essential.

3. Forest Decline and Rainforest Destruction
In Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, illegal logging and land development have reduced forest areas. China's forest cover rate has improved to 24.02%, but the demand for timber continues to cause the rapid loss of natural forests. These areas, rich in biodiversity, are vital for global environmental conservation, and the government is intensifying crackdowns on illegal logging.

4. Glacier Melting and Climate Change
In the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, glaciers are melting rapidly due to climate change, threatening the Yellow River's water sources. In the 2020s, rising temperatures have significantly impacted agriculture and water resources in downstream regions. The melting glaciers cause seasonal water supply instability, leading to severe water shortages, especially during dry seasons.

5. Drought in the Yellow River Basin
Since the early 2020s, drought has spread in the Yellow River Basin, endangering agricultural and urban water supplies. Climate change and excessive human water use are the main causes. The government is working on drought measures by improving irrigation techniques and introducing water-saving agricultural technologies, but the results are not yet sufficient.

6. The Challenge of Carbon Neutrality
China aims for carbon neutrality by 2030, but oil companies like China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) continue to rely on fossil fuel-based development. While renewable energy adoption is progressing, the oil and gas industry still emits large amounts of greenhouse gases, and more effort is needed to reduce emissions.

7. Sustainable Business Initiatives
In the 2020s, major companies like Alibaba and Huawei have been promoting sustainable growth initiatives. Efforts have been made to use renewable energy and develop environmentally friendly products, but these initiatives remain limited to a few companies, and raising environmental awareness across China is essential.

8. Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture
Global warming has significantly affected agricultural production in China. In particular, the northern arid regions have seen reduced crop yields due to rising temperatures, impacting food security. The Chinese government is working on developing new crop varieties and innovating agricultural technologies, but the speed of climate change is outpacing these efforts.

9. Loss of Ecosystem Services
In the 2020s, the loss of ecosystem services has become apparent in China. Deforestation and wetland reclamation have diminished natural functions such as water purification, soil conservation, and climate regulation, affecting people's livelihoods. Stronger environmental protection policies are needed to address this issue.

10. Biodiversity Crisis
China continues to see a decline in endangered species in the 2020s. Particularly, the habitats of rare species like the panda and hornbill are being threatened by deforestation and development. International conservation efforts are required to protect these species.