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In Northwest China, farmers battle desertification by planting trees, a stark contrast to the continuous burning of coal in the region. This film explores the human cost and environmental impact of this situation, using the element carbon as a focal point. It highlights the paradox of combating environmental degradation through tree planting while simultaneously fueling it with carbon-intensive coal combustion. The film captures the human struggle against a changing landscape and the consequences of relying on carbon-based energy, offering a nuanced look at the complex relationship between people, environment, and the element carbon.