ARITIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY
How can artificial intelligence help in efforts to prevent deforestation? Deforestation has an incredibly adverse impact on planet earth. The forests cover close to a third of the land area on our planet and provide us with purer air and fresher water. Eighty percent of the world’s land based wildlife live in forests . We should of course not need to argue for why forests are important yet it seems we have to. Between 1990 and 2016, the world lost 502,000 square miles (1.3 million square kilometers) of forest, according to the World Bank . With the recent events of increasing forest fires in the Amazon protecting our forests across the world has again grown in relevance . So let us touch upon the current issue of deforestation and then discuss how artificial intelligence can contribute to solutions that assist in solving this wicked problem. Artificial Intelligence can of course only be part of a coordinated effort, yet it has to be duly considered in addressing this issue.
Let’s Talk Deforestation :
Numbers are not looking great for our forests. The Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), coordinated by FAO, found that the world’s forest area decreased from 31.6 percent of the global land area to 30.6 percent between 1990 and 2015, but that the pace of loss has slowed in recent years. So amongst this devestating message there is the respite of possibility to prevent further damage or even reverse the trend completely. Another source however estimates that up to 420 million acres of forest could be lost between 2010 and 2030 in these “deforestation fronts” if current trends continue.
Let us now however now consider how artificial intelligence can contribute to a better environment for humans and animals alike :
As such technologists or technology enthusiasts can of course play a part, and why should not technological advances benefit humanity?
You may silently think about what better way to use artificial intelligence than to ensure cleaner air and ensure increased natural carbon capture by managing our forests better. If you manage to think of a better way for
humanity to use machine learning techniques or other advances within the field of artificial intelligence then I am very happy for you and the world.
“AI can play a tremendous role in the control of forest fire. We can train the software by providing it the information about the places which are most vulnerable to catch fire. So that it can detect the vulnerable places of a forest and send notifications to the forest officers so that they can rapidly go to those places and put out the fire. Thus they will require less time and can save more natural resources by putting out the fire easily. It could save millions of dollars.”
Immediately as such detection of fires seem to one possible use case for artificial intelligence. If firefighters can respond or appropriate measures can be taken to conserve forests that would be beneficial if implemented with considerations to the consumption of energy by the algorithms used.
How can artificial intelligence techniques be used?
Fuzzy systems (FS) use fuzzy sets to deal with imprecise and incomplete data. In conventional set theory an object is a member of a set or not, but fuzzy set membership takes any value between 0 and 1. Fuzzy models can describe vague statements as in natural language. This can be used for evaluating habitat suitability for riverine forests.
A multi-agent system (MAS) comprises a network of agents interacting to achieve goals. An agent is a software component containing code and data. MASs are well suited to this field because of their ability to represent complex systems with several stakeholders and allow exploration of alternative management approaches. They do, however, seem more suited to social learning among interest groups than prediction of system behaviour. Examples could be in natural resource management within forestry industries and forest ecosystems undergoing land-use change. Remote sensing of emissions suggest real-time maps for greenhouse gas emissions. In this way we could instantly know which areas of farmland on the planet that emits the most greenhouse gases and do our best to adjust with regulations, incentives or collaboration. “While greenhouse gases are invisible to our eyes, they must by definition interact with sunlight. This means that we can observe these compounds with hyperspectral cameras.” This is described as an open problem with a high potential impact.
Carbon stock estimation. An estimator can perform predictions on the scale of the planet. Transfer learning techniques might help in this regard, we will come back to what transfer learning is.
Automated afforestation. there is a capacity for 1.2 trillion more trees on the planet. This has the potential to cancel out a decade of carbon emissions. In this sense automation can be useful. Two startups BioCarbonEngineering and Droneseed is mentioned in this regard. Machine learning can be used to locate appropriate planting sites, monitor plant health, assess weeds, and analyze trends.
Forest fire management. As mentioned previously we can prevent large forest fires. It is important to mention that small forest fires can be good. Reinforcement learning can be used to predict the spatial progression of fire (how fire spreads). With good tools to evaluate regions that are more at risk, firefighters can perform controlled burns and cut select areas to prevent progression of fires.
Forestry. While some deforestation is the result of expanding agriculture or urban developments, most of it comes from the logging industry. Clearcutting has a particularly ruinous effect and remains a widespread practice across the world. Tracking deforestation can inform policy-makers. Rainforest Connection has installed old smart-phones powered by solar panels in the forest. Then, an ML algorithm can detect chainsaw sounds within a radius of a kilometer and report them to a nearby cell phone antenna. Machine learning can also be applied to logistics and transport, although this can have a negative effect and has to be combined with good policies. AI also helps animals from the fire.
What companies are using AI to help manage forests?
Every day, the company uses NVIDIA GPUs to process almost 100TB of new satellite data — obtained from partners such as Airbus Defence and Space and the European Copernicus program — which is used to train a series of deep neural networks. GPUs, running in-house and in the cloud via AWS and Google, provide the muscle power for the training, enabling it to be completed in just a few hours. The deep neural networks can then draw insights into forest health that are otherwise invisible to the human eye.
aiTree:
aiTree Ltd has been focusing on systematic technologies to solve Demand & Supply problems with Artificial Intelligence algorithms for over 25 years.
Microsoft AI for earth project:
AI for Earth awards grants to projects that use artificial intelligence to address four critical areas that are vital for building a sustainable future. These four critical areas are:
Climate: The changing climate threatens human health, infrastructure, and natural systems. AI can give people more accurate climate predictions to help reduce the potential impacts.
Agriculture: By 2050, farmers must produce more food, on less arable land, and with less environmental impact to feed the world’s increasing population. AI can help people monitor the health of farms in real time.
Biodiversity: Species are going extinct at an alarming rate. AI can help people accelerate the discovery, monitoring, and protection of biodiversity across our planet.
Water: In the next two decades, demand for fresh water is predicted to dramatically outpace supply. AI can help people model Earth’s water supply to help us conserve and protect fresh water.
Bird’s-Eye View :
Down on the ground, it isn’t possible to get a full understanding of the richness of resources in a given forest area or predict any potential risks to the health of plants and trees.
Comprehensive, manual surveying and data collection of forested areas can take months, with considerable strain placed on budgets and manpower.
But 20tree.ai, which was recently awarded the Copernicus Masters Planet Daily Change Challenge award, uses a combination of AI and extremely high-quality satellite imagery and radar data to speed its work.
Every day, the company uses NVIDIA GPUs to process almost 100TB of new satellite data — obtained from partners such as Airbus Defence and Space and the European Copernicus program — which is used to train a series of deep neural networks.
GPUs, running in-house and in the cloud via AWS and Google, provide the muscle power for the training, enabling it to be completed in just a few hours. The deep neural networks can then draw insights into forest health that are otherwise invisible to the human eye.
“Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence and NVIDIA’s GPUs, we are enabling faster, better decision making for our planet,” said Indra den Bakker, co-founder and deep learning engineer at 20tree.ai.
20tree.ai’s dashboard enables customers to derive deeper insights into forested areas. Through an online user interface, 20tree.ai’s clients can check on specific factors of interest, including tree species, height and diameter, growth and productivity, as well as harvesting potential.
Customers can get these insights in a matter of minutes, allowing them to effectively monitor the progress of Mother Nature’s variables. For example, in the case of droughts, plagues or other disturbances, appropriate reactive measures can be taken earlier, with improved impact.
From Forest Economy to Saving Orangutans The benefits of 20tree.ai’s system are manifold.
Stora Enso, a renewable materials giant headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, uses 20tree.ai to analyze tree species, wood volume, and tree height and diameter. The company can then determine whether or not they are paying the right amount for land they are purchasing and can also see exactly what they are purchasing.
The speed at which the company receives these insights means they can make faster, informed decisions on plots of land, resulting in more sustainable forest management.
But it’s not just commercial enterprises that gain from AI-powered forest intelligence. NGOs such as Rainforest Alliance are also benefiting. For example, the Sumatran Orangutan Society is working with 20tree.ai on raising awareness around the need for reforestation and restoring valuable ecosystems.
And cities, where an estimated two-thirds of the global population will live by 2050, can gain insights into green spaces, like tree canopy cover, urban forest diversity and air quality. Better monitoring and management of urban forests can help mitigate heat waves, air pollution and flooding.
“Our system enables us to gain insights into the impact of deforestation, drought, plagues and unsustainable forest management, which previously were unattainable,”
AI is not a job stealer, it is a job enabler :
But does this mean AI will have an impact on jobs in forestry.
Absolutely not! AI is an enabler not a replacer. It enhances the human ability to process and achieve tasks. AI is designed to augment our own knowledge. We will still need Sam to perform all of the duties of a forest manager, yet his job will be transformed. He will spend less time on the boring and menial tasks of his job and will be able to focus on discovering ways of improving business processes.
The advent of AI presents a golden opportunity to reduce costs and increase profits in an industry which is undergoing enormous change as consumption patterns evolve.
How AI Can Help Save Forests :
Satellite imagery and artificial intelligence give new hope to those fighting pests, wildfires and deforestation.
The environment and nature are some of the most complex systems that exist. To preserve nature, we need to understand our ecosystems better. Today, we have advanced tools for collecting and processing data, using sensors, machine learning and cloud services, that make me hopeful for the future.
AI can be a game-changer because taking actions are easier and more effective – and less vulnerable to politicization – if we know what is happening on Earth, when and where. The speed of innovation is one of the few things keeping pace with climate change. Harnessing the power of AI to monitor the impacts of our current land use practices and to model scenarios means that, perhaps for the first time, we can have the right information at our fingertips to more effectively and sustainably manage our lands, watersheds and ecosystems.
Every day, the company uses NVIDIA GPUs to process almost 100TB of new satellite data — obtained from partners such as Airbus Defence and Space and the European Copernicus program — which is used to train a series of deep
neural networks. GPUs, running in-house and in the cloud via AWS and Google, provide the muscle power for the training, enabling it to be completed in just a few hours. The deep neural networks can then draw insights into forest health that are otherwise invisible to the human eye.
And cities, where an estimated two-thirds of the global population will live by 2050, can gain insights into green spaces, like tree canopy cover, urban forest diversity and air quality. Better monitoring and management of urban forests can help mitigate heat waves, air pollution and flooding.
“Our system enables us to gain insights into the impact of deforestation, drought, plagues and unsustainable forest management, which previously were unattainable,”
CONCLUSION :
AI can be a game-changer because taking actions are easier and more effective – and less vulnerable to politicization – if we know what is happening on Earth, when and where. The speed of innovation is one of the few things keeping pace with climate change. Harnessing the power of AI to monitor the impacts
of our current land use practices and to model scenarios means that, perhaps for the first time, we can have the right information at our fingertips to more effectively and sustainably manage our lands, watersheds and ecosystems.
“AI can play a tremendous role in the control of forest fire. We can train the software by providing it the information about the places which are most vulnerable to catch fire. So that it can detect the vulnerable places of a forest and send notifications to the forest officers so that they can rapidly go to those places and put out the fire. Thus they will require less time and can save more natural resources by putting out the fire easily. It could save millions of dollars.”
BIBLIOGRAPHY :
1. https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation-and-forest-degradation
2. https://blogs.worldbank.org/opendata/five-forest-figures-international-day-forests
3.https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/aug/23/amazon-fires-global-leaders-urged-divert-brazil-suicide-path
4. http://www.fao.org/state-of-forests/en/
5. https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation-and-forest-degradation
Bhrath Gowda BR
B.Com LLB
KLE College Bangalore
Research Intern – CHSS