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| Trees are the lungs of Earth. Photo credit: WWF |
There are many different definitions for a forest and this definition ambiguity ranges anywhere from many trees to rain forests to tree plantations (as well as many more). In this case, I found that Global Forest Watch's definition fits best and puts it together quite simply,
The removal of forests, or deforestation, cause up to a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions. Clearly, preventing deforestation is one of many key factors to solving our current issues with global warming.
Also, biodiversity may not be preserved via deforestation. Habitats and homes of many different species (animals and greens) are eliminated and their survival is bleak. This affects everyone, not just the endangered species. (For example, it can affect the food chain.)
So if all we have to do is leave the trees, why are forests still being cut down?
Mainly, for profit. Nature aside, most of the deforestation that occurs is due to man. Especially for agricultural purposes - which accounts for 70 percent of deforestation in tropical countries. Had developed countries not commit the $8.7 billion towards Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Degradation of forests (REDD+), they could have raked in an agricultural subsidies' net worth of at least $486 billion in 2012.
"...'forest' refers to a landscape with a high density of trees and value for biodiversity, carbon storage, and human use."
So, why should anyone care?
The removal of forests, or deforestation, cause up to a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions. Clearly, preventing deforestation is one of many key factors to solving our current issues with global warming.
Also, biodiversity may not be preserved via deforestation. Habitats and homes of many different species (animals and greens) are eliminated and their survival is bleak. This affects everyone, not just the endangered species. (For example, it can affect the food chain.)
So if all we have to do is leave the trees, why are forests still being cut down?
Mainly, for profit. Nature aside, most of the deforestation that occurs is due to man. Especially for agricultural purposes - which accounts for 70 percent of deforestation in tropical countries. Had developed countries not commit the $8.7 billion towards Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Degradation of forests (REDD+), they could have raked in an agricultural subsidies' net worth of at least $486 billion in 2012.
How can A.I. help?
There is already a free online interactive tool available that helps with forest monitoring using satellite technology. This tool is called Global Forest Watch (GFW) and is produced by the World Resources Institute (WRI). Although anyone can use it, currently it can only produce near-real-time alerts. A forest could be well gone before any action against deforestation can take place.
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| A screenshot of the GFW interface as it is currently, available at GlobalForestWatch |
Now, what if this tool could predict where deforestation can occur next?
A collaboration with Big Data technology startup, Orbital Insight, plans to use artificial intelligence to parse tens of millions of high-resolution satellite images to find and analyze predictive indicators of deforestation. (For example, new road construction in remote areas.)
Of course it will be difficult for humans to identify these subtle changes - especially on a world scale. A.I., with it's computational ability, can find these factors more feasibly and can even store its mass findings.
Alright, so what's the catch?
Firstly, this cutting-edge technology is still underway - the article only being published this past April. The computational power needed to make this idea a reality is also going to be pretty expensive. Taking into account all other research expenses, this is not going to be a cheap process.
Even if the collaboration between GFW and some kind of artificial intelligence were successful, what are the chances that real action will be taken? What kind of action can be taken? These are factors outside the scope of A.I. development.
The recurring question of whether or not the ends justify the means is something I hope to address more specifically in my next blog post. As we have seen, A.I. can definitely be used to improve different areas of sustainability, but again, is it worth it?
I like the symmetry you keep with your center pictures. I think the light gray font over a black background is easier on the eyes then a white font would be and the blue links add cohesion with your background, overall I really like your whole layout. As for the content, this was a really well-articulated post. I think questions used for the heading adds a clear indication for the reader on what they should be asking themselves. You do a really nice job at adequately answering these questions as well as adding a lot of your personality throughout your blog.
ReplyDeleteI really like how organized and concise this blog is, how you break down the damaged of deforestation, and then later go on to describe how A.I can help. Although that sounds simple I find it tough do to with my own blog. You stay perfectly on topic and break things down making it interesting and easy to read.
ReplyDeletevery good post, I see you made the alterations we discussed in our last class, it looks good !
ReplyDeletegreat way to close the entry, good conclusion.