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The "air quality index" normally tops out at 500.
It's registering 1592 in Beijing right now.
The Gobi Desert is coming.
#YellowDustStorms
It's registering 1592 in Beijing right now.
The Gobi Desert is coming.
#YellowDustStorms
These yellow dust storms hammer Beijing in spring, and also reach as Korea and even Japan. They are increasing in frequency and intensity. Deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming practices have destroyed the natural barriers that once held the Gobi Desert in check. 
The Gobi Desert is expanding toward Beijing at more than 1 mile (~2 km) per year.
When this map was made 25 years ago, the Gobi was over 175 miles from Beijing. Today it's less than 150 miles away.
Overall China sees 2250 square miles of land transformed into desert every year.
When this map was made 25 years ago, the Gobi was over 175 miles from Beijing. Today it's less than 150 miles away.
Overall China sees 2250 square miles of land transformed into desert every year.
