NASA Develops Rainforest Deforestation Warning System

A research team led by the American space agency NASA has developed an alert system to indicate the state of the Earth’s rainforests. Using satellite images, the researchers hope to prevent a tipping point after which deforestation is irreversible.

 

The satellite images should indicate early on when large areas of forest are being destroyed. Many rainforests are under pressure from people cutting down or setting fires to make room for farmland.

Global warming is also working to the detriment of forests, the researchers say. Because it is becoming drier and warmer, the rainforests are becoming more vulnerable.

To get a good idea of the state of the forests, images from decades-old are compared with recent recordings. Then, the researchers hope politicians will use the warnings to create policies to protect the rainforests.