These images depicts newly planted trees in south China. Writing for the Worldwatch Institute, Yongfeng Feng notes: "Scientists have noted that while it is environmentally damaging to cut down trees, it can be equally harmful to plant new ones. Experts believe that the trend of "cutting down trees to replant trees" in south China, though still largely overlooked, is likely to become one of the country's major environmental challenges-encouraging the "invisible" yet ecologically damaging replacement of natural forests. Meanwhile, authorities who are paid to be the stewards of China's forests are aiding the destructive activities of logging companies by issuing documents of dubious legality. Their complicity in such actions, if not properly checked, will expedite the already rapid disappearance of China's remaining natural forests."

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