Researchers used data gathered by NASA’s GEDI mission, launched in 2018, which uses a system of lasers to build 3D maps of forests, allowing the amount of biomass and carbon to be measured. Roehrdanz describes GEDI as a “gamechanger” as it’s the first time lidar tech has contributed to a global carbon mapping of protected areas of this kind.
Previously, global forest carbon estimates were unreliable or came with uncertainties, the researchers say. With this new data, accuracy has greatly improved.
Analyzing more than 400 million 3D structure samples, the researchers matched each protected area to ecologically similar unprotected areas based on a range of factors, including climate, human pressure, location, and more. Comparing protected areas’ ability to avoid emissions against that of unprotected areas, the researchers found networks of national parks and reserves are 28% more effective at storing carbon.
It’s an approach that’s not without its limitations, however, the researchers say. “We attribute most of the findings to avoided deforestation and degradation, but enhanced growth may also be happening,” Duncanson wrote.