Gilberto Camara - Brazil's Fight Against Deforestation; Politics & Open Data - MBM#61
Feb 15, 2024
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Discover Brazil's fight against deforestation led by Gilberto Camara, using satellite imagery and open data. Explore the historical context, challenges in deforestation monitoring, and the evolution of geographic information science programs. Learn about the impact of technological advancements on societal shaping and the debate on inequality. Dive into the complexities of budget allocations and the transition to commercial Earth observation companies.
Combating deforestation in Brazil required a shift towards policy implementation and enforcement actions.
Open and accessible data played a crucial role in law enforcement efforts against illegal deforestation activities.
Improving the quality of deforestation data in Brazil necessitates a deeper understanding of statistical concepts and temporal analysis.
INPE's advocacy for open data in Brazil fostered public awareness and improved environmental decision-making processes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Openness in Environmental Data
The Brazil Institute for Space Research (INPE) played a crucial role in using satellite imagery to map deforestation in Brazil. They recognized that mapping alone was not enough and that effective change required policies and actions. The Brazilian government, influenced by the Rio 92 conference on climate change, increased the area of private lands that needed to be preserved in the Amazon. This decision was initially met with resistance from the agricultural sector and diplomats, but it played a vital role in combatting deforestation. Open and accessible data became a key tool for law enforcement. The Brazilian government used satellite imagery and real-time alert systems to identify and address illegal deforestation. Strict enforcement involving penalties, burning of machinery, and legal support contributed to a significant decrease in deforestation rates. The success of the Brazilian deforestation control system lies in the combination of accurate information, strong policies, and effective enforcement.
The Role of Legitimacy and Accountability in Deforestation Control
Deforestation control in Brazil is driven by the state's monopoly of violence, where the government has the authority to enforce laws and punish offenders. The agricultural sector, environmental movement, and international pressure have played significant roles in shaping policies and enforcing legal frameworks. The Brazilian government uses reliable and qualified satellite information, ensuring that data accuracy is prioritized to avoid false positives. Law enforcement teams, equipped with satellite data, conduct on-ground operations to check for permits and address illegal deforestation activities. The effectiveness of deforestation control is rooted in the legitimacy and accountability of the state's actions, with reliable information and strong enforcement mechanisms.
Challenges in Developing Accurate and Timely Deforestation Data
The development of accurate and timely deforestation data in Brazil faces challenges, particularly in the utilization of remote sensing technologies. Many existing tools and systems overlook the foundational importance of understanding the basics of data accuracy and statistics. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools like ArcGIS and QGIS, widely used in the field, often do not adequately address the concept of time in deforestation data analysis. Statistical concepts, such as the independence of observations and the impact of errors over time, need to be incorporated into these tools to ensure accurate and reliable data interpretation. A deeper understanding of spatial and temporal aspects of deforestation is essential to improve the quality of deforestation data and effectively combat illegal activities.
The Significance of Open Data in Environmental Decision-Making
The Brazilian Institute for Space Research (INPE) was an early advocate for open data, setting a precedent by making Landsat imagery available even before the USGS. The decision to open up data was not solely driven by a belief in openness but was viewed as crucial for facilitating environmental decision-making and public awareness. By making accurate and accessible geospatial information available to the public, governments, and policymakers, the benefits of data usage could be realized. This approach aligns with the principles of the Rio 92 declaration, emphasizing the importance of citizen participation, access to information, and inclusive decision-making processes in environmental governance. Openness in environmental data has played a significant role in shaping Brazil's deforestation control strategies.
The Importance of Public Awareness and Participation for a Sustainable Planet
Principle 10 of the Rio 92 emphasizes the significance of public awareness and participation in decision-making processes regarding the environment. This principle is widely recognized by countries such as China, the United States, France, and Brazil. It underscores the need for individuals to have access to environmental information in order to build a sustainable planet. The challenge lies in transforming the desire for sustainability into action. The interviewee highlights the role of bureaucracy in upholding principles recognized by the United Nations and the need for cost justification in public decision-making. They also discuss the importance of a strong bureaucracy in democratic countries, such as Denmark, to ensure accountability and long-term needs of the state.
The Prospects and Challenges of Commercial Earth Observation
The interview delves into the rise of private commercial Earth observation companies and their departure from traditional public programs like MODIS and Landsat. While these companies offer high-resolution and potentially more frequent imagery, they often impose paywalls, limiting access to data. The interviewee expresses their skepticism about the commercial model, particularly in relation to developing countries. They argue that the high cost and variable quality of data from these companies make them unsuitable for crucial applications like deforestation monitoring in countries such as Brazil. The interviewee also points out that revolutionary applications of private Earth observation data have yet to surface, and highlights the importance of reliable, consistent, and cost-effective data for effective policy-making and decision-making.
The Role of Networks in Shaping Society and Techno-Fatalism
The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of networks in society and the implications of technological advancements. The interviewee recommends two books: 'The Great Transformation' by Polanyi and 'The Age of Information Trilogy' by Castells. 'The Great Transformation' explores the evolution and dominance of capitalist societies, while Castells' trilogy delves into the network society and the impact of networks in shaping our world. The interviewee also mentions Larry Lessig's works on internet law and Janis Varoufakis' 'Techno-Feudalism,' which discuss the ongoing debates about the impact of technology on capitalism and society. They highlight the importance of understanding the historical context and megatrends to make sense of the changes occurring in our world.
Gilberto Camara was the director of INPE, Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research from 2005 to 2012, working there 35y in total and leading the use of satellite imagery to fight deforestation in Brazil, leading to what Nature declared “One of the biggest environmental wins of the 2000s”
(00:00) - Introduction (01:14) - Sponsor: OpenCage (02:40) - Gilberto describes himself (04:14) - Deforestation wasn't always a priority: Brazil in the 80s (07:50) - INPE (Brazil's National Institute for Space Research) (11:13) - Landsat (23:15) - Forest Land doesn't have monetary value (24:14) - Mapping Deforestation Doesn't Magically Solve Everything (28:35) - Incentives (38:06) - Open Data was the only way (38:51) - Not everyone likes open data (42:11) - The first real-time deforestation alert system (46:43) - From data to actual enforcement (55:15) - Avoiding False Positive Deforestation Alerts (01:00:48) - Misunderstood Accuracy in Remote Sensing (01:07:52) - The roles of current geospatial tools (01:15:43) - Brazil made Landsat images openly available before the US (01:20:31) - Getting Things Done (01:33:51) - Private remote sensing companies (01:49:50) - The right tool & the right data (01:53:32) - Monetary motivations behind commercial GIS (02:02:29) - The source(s) of innovation (02:07:28) - Book/podcast recommendation (02:12:56) - Opening just a tiny little last topic (02:17:41) - Support my work on Patreon
