After receiving accolades from international community over plans to reduce limits of carbon emission, China is facing criticism from scientists in the country for leveling natural mountain habitats to create new houses and cities. From past 10 years, China is continuously involved in massive demolition of these landscapes without considering the long-term effects cause by its actions on the environment.

Researchers at Chang'an University have warned that the effects of leveling landscapes could be catastrophic, with more floods, erosion and the spread of pollution in ecosystems and water tables. Severe threats will be posed to native wildlife in addition to damages caused to the human communities that depend on farming for their living.

The researchers gave example of one project in Yan'an, in the Shaanxi Province. They said builders are set to level an estimated 30 square miles of land, which will disturb layers of wind-blown silt settled for more than a million years. Investigators have said that the intensity of rainstorm will be increased to such an extent as a result of disturbances in the layers that the entire swath of ground will get collapsed.

Mountainous areas hold around 20% of China's population. Some of those areas have cities with growing population, which why pressure has been increased on the government to create more space. Supporters of the mountain-leveling have said that it will enable the creation of more breathing room and provide many economic opportunities. The benefits of leveling mountainous areas will outweigh the problems caused by the increased pollution.

However, researchers from Chang'an University have said, "China is moving mountains. Until we know more about the consequences, we urge governments to seek scientific advice and proceed with caution".