Satellites, drones, and AI are opening up new possibilities for monitoring forests in the face of climate change. Earth observation is becoming environmental intelligence: environmental stress can be detected earlier, tree species can be distinguished, deadwood can be mapped, and changes in the forest can be visualized. This provides a crucial foundation for early-warning systems and concrete solutions for dealing with drought, heat, and other consequences of climate change. Examples from current research show how a bird’s-eye view can help us better understand and protect forests.

Prof. Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Verena Griess
Co-director Swiss Geo Lab, ETH Zurich
Chair of Forest Resources Management, ETH Zurich