Climatology and Trends of the Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Sandstorms in Inner Mongolia

The temporal and spatial distribution of sandstorms have been investigated statistically for a period of 40 years (1961–2000),using data from 118 observatories in Inner Mongolia, P.R. of China. In terms of climate variations, the effects of changes in climate(affecting parameters such as precipitation, temperature, ENSO activities, etc.), ecological systems and human behavior on the space-time distribution of sandstorms have been studied. It is shown that in Inner Mongolia nearly all sandstorms occurred inthe central-western region during 1961–2000. Their frequency decreased from the 1960s to the 1990s. The mean annual variationshows that spring is the main sandstorm season, especially April. In view of connection with climate variations, dry and cold periods correspond with a high frequency of sandstorms,wet and warm periods with a low frequency. With respect to thespatial distribution, sandstorms hit preferably dry and warm regions. There are some relations between ENSO activities andthe sandstorm frequency. The sandstorm rate was relatively higher in most of the El Niño years, and in most of the La Niña years the rate was relatively lower.     

Revitalization of Chinese’s manufacturing industry under the carbon neutral goal

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the manufacturing industry has been crucial for economic growth. China’s manufacturing activity began after China approved and opened legal reform to the rest of the world in 1978. There are usually three stages of development, including the catch-up period. At the same time, they reflect the private economic sector, manufacturing, and foreign exchange industries, and the opening up to the international markets. This advancement comes along with high energy consumption, leading to a high rate of pollution. Therefore, this study provides a detailed overview of the “Made in China 2025” pilot target and implementations of policies to achieve a carbon-neutral goal. We assessed the efficiency of implementing policies in the Chinese manufacturing sector and recommended decision-making policies to achieve the “Made in China 2025” plan and the 2030 carbon-neutral goal. The Quantitative Strategic Programming Matrix (QSPM) and SWOT analysis matrix were used to put forward some development strategies to transform and upgrade China’s manufacturing industry by combining relevant strategic theories. This study is significant in terms of energy-saving and carbon emission-reducing policy implementations for the Chinese manufacturing industry. In addition, we suggested some measures to achieve a sustainable environment in line with carbon-neutral policies.