AI-4EST

Reducing Carbon Emissions with Forest Development

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The Project AI-4EST

Reducing Carbon Emissions with Forest Development

To meet the 1.5-degree climate target, it is crucial to reduce and offset carbon emissions. One way to achieve this is through emissions trading using international certificates or allowances.

Since forests play a key role in absorbing carbon, reforestation to create healthy forests with stable biodiversity is essential. This includes restoring moors and water forests. However, our forests are currently in poor condition and need urgent, coordinated reforestation. Emissions trading can make the necessary investments for forest owners more attractive. Here's how it works: carbon-emitting companies buy carbon savings from forest owners to achieve CO2 neutrality. To verify the amount of CO2 a forest sequesters, certification bodies must regularly assess the forest for the offset trade.

Currently, certification is costly, conducted every 3-5 years, and produces inaccurate, analog data that can't provide precise information about forest development and reforestation potential.

Office

Project Specs

  • Timeframe: December 1, 2023 - November 30, 2025
  • Funding: €656,500
  • Goal: develop precise forecasting tools for forest development, down to individual tree groups, and their interactions with reforestation activities.
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Project Summary

AI-4EST combines data from satellites, LiDAR, and radar sources with tree cadastres to classify forests down to individual trees. Scientific forecasting models will predict the future state of forests under different scenarios using AI. The best scenarios, identified through multi-parameter optimization, will help derive new, detailed, and robust planting plans.

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Funding

Funded through the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

 

Our Contribution

The north.io big data team, in collaboration with CarbonStack, aims to develop a leading AI application that is globally applicable and competitive. This €656,500 project will not only address environmental challenges but also strengthen Germany as an innovation leader. AI-4EST will generate many usable, understandable, and high-quality processes to support Germany's national strategy as a leading global AI hub. This will help companies transparently document their reforestation projects and CO2 compensation, supporting regional forest owners. It will also enhance social dialogue and education on artificial intelligence.

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Associated Partners

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