How to keep track of the world’s carbon stocks ?

Photo credit: Pixabay

Victoria Falls rain forest (Zimbabwe)

Mapping forests’ carbon with lasers

VIDEO : http://youtu.be/ATBFfJFDOwU

EXCERPT

Measuring carbon emissions is crucial for planning a response to climate change. But scientists have so far struggled to keep track of the world’s carbon stocks and how they vary.

At the Carnegie Airborne Observatory, he has developed a lidar (light detection and ranging) system based on laser technology that is flown over the tropics to measure how much carbon is trapped in the forests, and where deforestation, illegal logging and mining activities are releasing it.

This video shows what pilots can see from above the forest, and how the system turns aerial imagery into colourful, animated carbon maps.

– See more at: http://www.scidev.net/global/forestry/multimedia/mapping-forests-carbon-lasers.html#sthash.V8e8qZff.dpuf

 

Author: Willem Van Cotthem

Honorary Professor of Botany, University of Ghent (Belgium). Scientific Consultant for Desertification and Sustainable Development.