Loss of moist broadleaf forest in Africa has turned a carbon sink into source (www.nature.com)

A groundbreaking study has revealed that Africa's forests, historically functioning as a significant carbon sink, have shifted to being a net carbon source between 2010 and 2017. Utilizing high-resolution satellite-derived biomass maps and machine learning techniques, researchers quantified aboveground biomass across the continent, finding a stark decline in biomass—specifically in tropical moist broadleaf forests—during this period. The analysis highlighted that while Africa gained 439 Tg of biomass yearly from 2007 to 2010, it experienced losses of 132 Tg and 41 Tg per year from 2010 to 2015 and 2015 to 2017, respectively. This alarming trend emphasizes the dire consequences of deforestation and shifts in land use, especially in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study is particularly significant for the AI/ML community as it showcases the power of advanced satellite remote sensing and machine learning in environmental monitoring, providing unprecedented spatial resolution to track carbon dynamics. The findings underscore the urgent need for robust climate policies and more ambitious commitments under international agreements like the Paris Accord. By mapping these changes with greater accuracy, the study offers a vital tool in the fight against climate change, reinforcing the importance of preserving forest ecosystems that play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.