This podcast episode explores advancements in remote sensing technology for blue carbon accounting. It discusses the reliability of estimates and the role of satellites and machine learning. The importance of data collection for climate action and equity in accessing information is emphasized. The concept of loss in damages and the Severe project are also discussed. Additionally, the episode highlights the success of the Endangered Species Act and the need for awareness about Carbon Removal Newsroom.
Advancements in remote sensing technology have improved the monitoring of blue carbon ecosystems, allowing for more accurate estimates of carbon accumulation or loss.
Translating satellite data into estimates of carbon dioxide storage presents challenges, but advancements in machine learning have made it easier to process this data.
Lowering the barriers to access remote sensing data benefits students, researchers, and professionals in low and middle-income countries, allowing them to address climate-related issues more effectively.
Ensuring equitable access to data and addressing potential biases in algorithms are important considerations in utilizing satellite data for carbon removal and sustainability initiatives.
Deep dives
Importance of Satellites in Climate Science
Satellites play a crucial role in climate science, providing valuable data on climate change, impacts, and mitigation efforts. They help in understanding the atmosphere, oceans, land use changes, and adapting to climate impacts. Satellites also aid in monitoring and reducing emissions, optimizing transport, and developing early warning systems. Advances in satellite technology have made data collection cheaper and more accessible, contributing to improvements in climate science.
Remote Sensing for Monitoring Blue Carbon Ecosystems
Blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangrove forests and seagrass beds, play a significant role in carbon sequestration. Current methodologies for tracking these ecosystems involve measuring carbon storage in plants and soil through direct sampling or calculations based on area and flux. Remote sensing technology has improved the monitoring of blue carbon systems, allowing for more accurate estimates of carbon accumulation or loss. Advancements in remote sensing techniques, including higher resolution imagery, machine learning, and the combination of passive and active sensors, provide valuable data for understanding these ecosystems.
Challenges and Advantages of Remote Sensing for Carbon Estimates
Translating satellite data into estimates of carbon dioxide storage presents challenges, but advancements in machine learning have made it easier to process this data. Trustworthiness of carbon estimates depends on a combination of satellite data, field measurements, and algorithms. While forest carbon estimates are relatively well-developed, estimating carbon storage in ecosystems like tidal marshes and seagrass meadows is more challenging. Blue carbon ecosystems store significant amounts of carbon, with the ability to vary based on species distribution, changes in hydrology, and human intervention. Improved remote sensing technology offers advantages in monitoring carbon stocks, but field measurements and accuracy still play a crucial role.
Advancements in Remote Sensing and Accessible Data
The growth of private earth observation satellites and the availability of smaller, more affordable satellites and data have positive implications for improved data accessibility. Lowering the barriers to access remote sensing data benefits students, researchers, and professionals in low and middle-income countries, allowing them to address climate-related issues more effectively. However, equitable access to data and technologies must be ensured to avoid reinforcing disparities. The increasing availability of data can support climate mitigation, adaptability, and response efforts, but it is crucial to also consider the importance of field measurements and action in utilizing this data effectively.
Monitoring Potentially Destructive Industries
Improved monitoring through real-time satellite data has revealed surprising findings, such as reduced deforestation caused by the palm oil industry in Southeast Asia. Access to more accurate data enables targeted interventions and pressure for action. However, it is essential to recognize that data alone does not guarantee action, and appropriate field measurements and algorithms play critical roles. Ensuring equitable access to data and addressing potential biases in algorithms are important considerations in utilizing satellite data for carbon removal and sustainability initiatives.
Implications of Improved Data for Developing Countries
Access to reliable satellite data is crucial for climate adaptation in developing countries, especially for mapping and addressing flooding risks and other climate impacts. However, there are disparities in data accessibility, hindering effective adaptation efforts. Bridging these information gaps requires intentional efforts to involve lower and middle-income countries in research, prioritize equitable access to data, and support capacity building. Collaboration between organizations like NASA and USAID can help address these challenges and ensure that smaller nations have access to the data and information necessary for effective climate response.
Positive and Negative Ramifications of Satellite Data
Real-time satellite data and improved monitoring technology offer numerous benefits for carbon removal and climate efforts. Enhanced access to data empowers various stakeholders, including low and middle-income countries and researchers, to participate in climate action. However, it is essential to address potential caveats and biases in data interpretation, particularly in modeling emissions and applying algorithms. Balancing data accessibility and equity and recognizing the importance of field measurements, algorithms, and taking action based on the data are key considerations in harnessing the full potential of satellite data for carbon removal.
Success of the Endangered Species Act
On a separate note, the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act is worth celebration. The act has proven successful in saving 227 species from extinction and aiding the remarkable recovery of species like bald eagles, American Hollander, and humpback whales. While the act has both positive and negative impacts, it demonstrates the potential of environmental regulations to protect and restore biodiversity, making a positive impact within the United States.
Blue carbon has emerged as a popular climate solution, with offset marketplaces like Verra and Gold Standard eyeing blue carbon methodologies and Salesforce and the World Economic Forum teaming up to announce their own blue carbon credit framework at COP27 last year.
Crediting for blue carbon usually means protecting ecosystems like mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and salt marshes. It can also include restoring these ecosystems when they’ve been degraded or destroyed.
A recent paper published in the journal “Earth Science Reviews” titled “Remote Sensing for Effective Blue Carbon Accounting” reviewed the potential for new technology to improve the remote sensing of blue carbon ecosystems.
Carbon markets continue to grow, and billions of dollars will likely flow toward blue carbon projects. So how well can scientists even tell when ecosystems are sequestering CO2? And what is the promise of new technologies to improve those estimates?
Joining Radhika on this episode are Holly Jean Buck and Shannon Valley.
