Desertification and dust storms and their impact on the Chinese economy and the environment were examined. A context was established using the best information available on the trends of desertification and dust storms in China. Building on the context, the second section the root causes of desertification and dust storms were examined. Several myths were sought to be identified about some core issues surrounding desertification and dust storms. China’s National Action Plan to combat desertification was reviewed and the effectiveness of existing strategies and programs for mitigating the adverse effects of desertification and dust storms were discussed. The future research needed was pointed out.