New research from the University of Utah highlights the difficulty of accurately measuring biomass in Arctic and boreal forests. With different satellite datasets providing conflicting results, scientists are working to create higher resolution maps to better track how these ecosystems store or release carbon. Accurate data is critical for climate policy and national emissions inventories. As warming temperatures increase the risk of wildfires and pest outbreaks, these northern forests may shift from being carbon sinks to carbon sources, complicating global efforts to stabilize the climate.
