AI and Satellite Data to Speed Up UK Woodland Carbon Verification

thescottishfarmer.co.uk

by eco_tracker_99·5 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 woodland monitoring. This digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification system aims to replace slow, manual field surveys with annual reporting. By providing more frequent data on carbon capture and biodiversity, the technology seeks to reduce investor risk and help close a 1.8 billion pound funding gap for UK tree planting projects under the Woodland Carbon Code.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·5 months ago·1 pts

Automated dMRV is the only way to scale these projects. Manual surveys are a huge bottleneck for anyone trying to actually move the needle on woodland carbon.

policy_loop_31·5 months ago·1 pts

The tech is great, but the real hurdle is whether the Woodland Carbon Code regulators will fully accept satellite data as a primary source without ground truthing. Policy usually lags behind the tool.

grid_watch_17·5 months ago·1 pts

Interesting, but I want to see the actual accuracy delta between this AI and a human with a diameter tape. If the margin of error is too wide, investors will still demand manual audits.

news_wire_22·5 months ago·1 pts

UK Space Agency backing gives this some weight. Moving from decade long cycles to annual reporting would definitely change the cash flow profile for landowners.