NASA Prepares Carbon Map Useful For Countries Participating In REDD+ Program

A research team of NASA has prepared a carbon map to study the carbon content in forests on earth. The team was led by Mr. Sassan Saatchi, a scientist of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Study revealed the total amount Carbon contained in tropical forests. The research spans three continents and 75 different tropical countries. A paper to this effect is published in National Academy of Sciences.

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Mr. Saatchi and his team used data sent by NASA’s ICESat satellite. The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System lidar on ICESat provided this accurate data which could tally with the previous estimates. The team concluded that most of the Carbon is stored in Tropical forests of Latin America. Latin America alone contains about 49% of total carbon content of tropical forests. Out of which Brazil contains almost 61 Billion tons of Carbon which almost equals Sub Saharan African region’s 62 Billion tons. The total carbon content in tropical region was calculated to be around 247 Billion tons. 10 Billion tons of Carbon is released in atmosphere due to deforestation and burning of fossil fuels.

The team also used QuikScat scatterometer satellite, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, and the instrument mounted on NASA’s Terra spacecraft i.e.; MODIS or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. The data from tree tops were taken by satellite and ground techniques were also employed at the bottom of the trees. The ground techniques involve taking in to account, the diameter of tree trunks and other factors. This method is reliable but not effective. Reliable in the sense that the data collected is accurate but ineffective because the tree patterns change from region to region. The satellite help was a useful tool in overcoming that drawback and preparing an accurate Carbon Map. As observed in study, there are various reasons for variation of Carbon content on Earth surface. The amount of Carbon varies with type of soil, region climate temperature etc.

The map, hence prepared would be useful for Nations participating in REDD+ program. REDD+ i.e.; Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation program as the name suggests is meant to help increase awareness in countries regarding the financial values to their Carbon content. The program suggests ways for development without increase in Carbon foot print. Not only for REDD+ participants but it would be useful globally to tackle side effect of Global warming. Mr. Saatchi is further verifying his readings for accurate understanding of the topic. Hoping his study benefits the world at large.

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