There have been coördinated reforestation and afforestation prohects on all populated continents for the last four decades at least. I'm surprised that we only now confirmed that these processes can "transform a desert into a carbon sink" and I'm wondering if the data is lagging or if the work is much slower than I realized.

We found, for the FIRST time, that human-led intervention can effectively enhance carbon sequestration in even the most extreme arid landscapes, demonstrating the potential to transform a desert into a carbon sink and halt desertification... Based on the results of this study, the Taklamakan Desert, although only around its rim, represents the FIRST successful model demonstrating the possibility of transforming a desert into a carbon sink," Yung said.

(emphasis mine)

And here I thought they had been doing that around the world. 

I think you spend too much time online.

...Connor Teskey, the CEO of Brookfield Renewable Partners, told analysts in a call to discuss the company’s full year earnings.

Not really an impartial source, but interesting read. Thanks.

well the free half was interesting :)