In this video, Dr Stephen Briggs and Dr Kirsten Barrett explore how and why EO satellites are vital to both the development and success of the REDD+ initiative.

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) is a climate change mitigation initiative aimed at creating financial value for the carbon stored in forests in order to reduce or avoid forest removal. It offers incentives for developing nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and encourages countries to manage their forests sustainably, protect biodiversity through forest conservation and maintain or even improve forest carbon stocks.

In order for international agencies and developed countries to make long term financial commitments to the REDD+ programme, it is essential they have access to trustable, frequent and accurate measurements of forest state. Earth observation satellites therefore play a key role in the monitoring, measuring and verification processes that are required to support and implement the REDD+ initiative.

Featured Experts:

• Dr Stephen Briggs
• Dr Kirsten Barrett
• Dr Nathalie Pettorelli

View featured satellites on the satellite tracking app

• CBERS 4

• Landsat-8

• Sentinel-1a

• Sentinel-1b

• Sentinel-2

• UK-DMC2

Don’t forget you can download the video, transcript and take any quizzes available with the links on the right.