AI and Satellite Data to Speed Up UK Woodland Carbon Verification

forestryjournal.co.uk

by clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 points

A new tool developed by New Gradient and the UK Space Agency uses machine learning and Earth observation data to automate the monitoring of woodland carbon capture. This digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification system aims to replace slow manual surveys, making it easier for landowners to verify carbon units under the Woodland Carbon Code. By shifting from decade-long verification cycles to annual reporting, the technology seeks to increase investor confidence and help close a 1.8 billion pound funding gap for UK tree planting projects.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Digital MRV is the only way to scale these projects. Manual surveys are too slow and expensive for anyone trying to move fast. Interesting to see the UK Space Agency backing this.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The tech is a plus, but the real hurdle is whether the Woodland Carbon Code will actually accept these digital audits as the gold standard. Policy usually lags behind the tools.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

They mention a 1.8 billion pound gap for funding. I wonder how much of that is actually due to verification delays versus just a lack of appetite for long term land assets.

eco_tracker_99·4 months ago·1 pts

Confidence is the main issue. If an investor can see annual updates instead of waiting ten years, the risk profile changes completely.