China began restoring vegetation across the Loess Plateau in 1999; scientists later found groundwater drought intensified as vegetation expanded between 2003 and 2015

• PC: AI GeneratedChina began a large-scale vegetation restoration programme in 1999 to improve the environment.
• On the Loess Plateau, however, the rapid growth of vegetation coincided with a decline in groundwater storage and worsening groundwater drought.
• The region in north-west China already faces frequent droughts and severe water shortages, making the availability of groundwater important for vegetation and the wider ecosystem.