The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched a new satellite, Biomass, which will provide unprecedented insights into the world’s forests. This mission is crucial for effective climate mitigation as it will monitor forest health, carbon storage, and human activities that impact forests, such as deforestation and wildfires.
Forests cover nearly one-third of the Earth and play a vital role in keeping our planet habitable. They absorb approximately 7.6 billion metric tons of CO2 each year, making them a crucial component of the carbon cycle. However, human activities are increasing greenhouse gas emissions, threatening forest health and exacerbating climate change.
The Biomass satellite is equipped with advanced radar technology that can penetrate deep into vegetation, providing scientists with detailed data on forest state, carbon storage, and behavior under human pressure. This will help fill key gaps in our knowledge of the carbon cycle and Earth’s climate system.
“This new mission will advance our ability to quantify forest carbon stocks and fluxes,” said ESA Biomass project manager Michael Fehringer. The satellite will measure tree trunks, branches, and stems to determine carbon storage, a key goal of the mission.
Developed by 50 companies, including Airbus UK, the Biomass satellite is expected to take five-and-a-half years to complete its mission once operational. Mission controllers are now verifying the satellite’s functionality and systems to ensure successful operation.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/new-satellite-provide-unprecedented-planets-forests/story?id=121319353