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Sandstorm

In recent years, sandstorms have been occurring more frequently, with enhanced intensity and expanded scale. Since the spring of 2000, Beijing and northwest China have experienced several sandstorms that are devastating Northeast Asia and even the United States,which have caused considerable damage to transportation systems and public health.

Severe sandstorms are major disasters in arid and semi-arid areas. They occur suddenly and affect large areas causing great losses to the national economy and the people.

Damage caused by sandstorm events was reported during 33 years of the 52 years from 1949 to 2000 in China, and approximately 140 regions were affected by these events. The most severe damage to humans and cattle resulting from a sandstorm event occurred in Northwest China in May 1993. 85 people lost their lives and 264 people were injured in this single event. In addition, damage to the infrastructure and manufacturing industry was reported. In total, the direct economic loss was estimated at approximately 7.3 billion yuan.

In Korea, a total of 4,949 kindergartens, primary schools and junior and senior high schools were ordered to be closed for the first time due to a sandstorm event in March 2002.

In Japan, in addition to air pollution from the suspended particles, the reduced visibility, staining of laundry and vehicles,and the damage to agricultural activities are cause for concern.It has been pointed out that sandstorm events have the potential to neutralize acid rain on the one hand, but on the other they are said to adsorb atmospheric pollutants and to transport them to Japan.

Sandstorm is, to some degree, related to the frequent spells of unusual weather and the global climatic changes over the past century. However, the intensifying sandstorms are closely related with land desertification.Because of excessive felling of trees, the ecosystem has no vitality at all, except the drifting sand. Over-grazing has led to serious grassland degeneration and excessive cultivation of farmland has led to severe grassland and forest destruction.

Both desertification and sandstorm prevention touch upon the international environment. The sandstorms are now becoming the world focus. we should try every possible means to to promote the overall project of desertification prevention. Some countries have cooperated to prevent the environmental problem together.Also many sandstorm treatment team and international organizations have been formed. But for us personally,we should start with things around us.Not destroying thr grassland.Not felling trees.Planting more trees as we can as possible. We are encouraged to participate in efforts to stop desertification.

"Green Olympics" is one of the Three Themes of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games."Green Olympic" is not just a slogan or a motto, it is more like a concept, a con-sciousness and a life style. To make our country be a green homeland not only for 2008, but for a better tomorrow.Let's start with us from now on to make every possible contribution to the "Green Olympic".Let's make our dream come true: "Green Olympic starts with me". This is the responsibility of anyone who loves peace.

There is only one earth.Please join in us!Plant more trees! Prevent sandstorms and protect our common homeland!