44moles

In Cali, Colombia, representatives from 196 countries are nearing the end of nearly two weeks of negotiations to address the biodiversity crisis. At #COP16, or the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, risks, impacts, and opportunities have been discussed at length. The location of the meeting is notable: negotiators and stakeholders have gathered in one of the host countries of the most biodiverse, important, and subsequently at-risk ecosystems in the world: the Amazon Rainforest. 🌳 And indeed, at COP16, the Amazon Rainforest has been central to many of the discussions and negotiations that have taken place. At the last biodiversity COP in 2022, signatories to the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Agreement committed to restore 30% of all degraded ecosystems and to conserve 30% of land, waters, and seas by 2030. However, as of today, the actions (and finances) behind the pledges remain minimal. And the Amazon – the world’s largest forest carbon sink – will feel those impacts. As per a recently released report by leading climate scientists from Future Earth, The Earth League, and World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) “10 New Insights in Climate Science,” the forests of the Amazon are at a critical point for the climate. “Due to climate change,” the scientists write, “Amazon forests are approaching multiple thresholds (related to temperature, rainfall, and seasonality), beyond which significant ecological changes can be triggered, potentially leading to a large-scale forest collapse.” Although our research and development process at 44moles is currently focused on optimizing our automated processing pipeline for boreal forest data, we are very interested and invested in better understanding tropical forests, too. Not only because tropical forests are based in the Global South, an area that needs international attention and climate finance, but also because these forests are extremely effective at carbon sequestration. ➡ Read more about COP16 via the sources in the comments, or learn about 44moles’ work at our website: https://bit.ly/4bikvj2

Measuring Tree Biomass: Traditional Methods for Calculating Carbon Content The idea of measuring tree biomass, particularly carbon, began to take shape in the early 20th century when scientists became more interested in understanding forests' role in the carbon cycle. By the mid-1900s, the ability to estimate how much carbon was in a tree became an important part of studying climate change and carbon sequestration. Early research showed that trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, storing carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots as they grow. To reliably estimate how much carbon trees store, researchers developed biomass tables in the mid-20th century. These tables were based on data from various types of trees that had been cut down, measured, and analysed. This allowed them to create tables that estimated carbon storage based on measurable tree characteristics such as diameter at breast height (DBH) and height. These tables became a valuable tool for forest scientists, as the trees no longer needed to be cut down to have their carbon measured. Forest scientists continue to use these traditional techniques, enhanced with modern tools, to measure tree biomass today. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process: 1. Measuring Diameter at Breast Height (DBH):  A forester wraps a specialized diameter tape around the tree at 1.3 meters above ground to measure its DBH. This converts the circumference into a diameter reading, allowing for quick and accurate measurements. 2. Estimating Tree Height:  Tree height is often estimated using a hypsometer or a clinometer to determine the angle between the observer’s eye and the top of the tree. Combined with a known distance from the tree, this can give an estimate of the tree’s height. 3. Referring to Biomass Tables:  With the DBH and height, the forester consults the biomass tables for the specific tree species, translating the measurements into biomass estimates, including stored carbon. How accurate is this? While traditional methods for measuring tree biomass are fairly accurate, errors typically fall in the range of 10-20% of the measurement. Individual trees can vary based on environmental conditions and growth patterns. Trees with irregular shapes or those affected by damage (like broken limbs) don’t follow typical patterns. Trees in different climates or soils can store carbon differently. Conclusion  Despite the risk of errors, traditional methods–and the biomass tables in particular–are still used by most foresters today. However, technology is raising the bar, improving accuracy and reliability. 

Forests are in danger. It’s an age-old trope, we know. But it’s true – they are. And this has never been more apparent. Earlier this week, The Guardian published two consecutive articles about the loss of carbon stock in forests. The first article highlights preliminary research findings that on average, forests worldwide have almost equalized in terms of total amount of carbon emitted vs. total amount of carbon stored. This has largely been caused by factors such as wildfires and drought, especially prevalent in Boreal forests (Russia, Scandinavia, Alaska, and Canada). The second article, meanwhile, dives into a case study of the forests in Finland, which since 2018 have been a net carbon emitter rather than sink, with 90% of the country’s carbon sinks declining between 2009 and 2022. These articles come off the back of a recent report published by the German government’s Agriculture Ministry (BMEL), based on their latest federal forest inventory which takes place every decade. The inventory took place in 2022, however results were publicly released last week. Although the inventory indicates some positive trends, such as forests being overall older and richer in structure since the last inventory in 2012, the most staggering finding was that starting in 2017, German forests have become a carbon dioxide emitter, rather than sink. The report points to climate change as the leading driver of this shift from carbon sink to carbon emitter. At 44moles, we are deeply aware of the importance of forests: for the climate, for biodiversity, for human health and community. The recent studies we have described here are not meant to discourage, but rather to underscore exactly how important forests are. And without accurate and reliable data, we cannot gauge the constantly changing dynamics of forests. ➡ Sources in the comments, or learn more about our work at https://bit.ly/4bikvj2

This week, the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences' Third Infinity is taking place in Göttingen, bringing together some of the world’s leading scientists to push the boundaries of research and innovation. The event will span three days filled with groundbreaking discussions on topics ranging from quantum physics to climate change. At the heart of these conversations is a collective focus on how science can drive sustainable solutions to our most pressing global challenges. Forest ecosystems are important factors in carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and maintaining the Earth's balance, but the health of these ecosystems depends on precise, data-driven approaches that come from rigorous scientific research. It’s no secret that scientists are trying to understand haow we can better protect and restore the world’s forests. This research helps us measure carbon storage, improve reforestation techniques, and develop new ways to combat deforestation. The work of scientists is not just about observation–it’s about actively supporting forest ecosystems to help mitigate climate change. Without their efforts, we would have far fewer tools to use, and even fewer ways to measure if they had any positive effect. 44moles will have a booth at Third Infinity from 16-18 October, exchanging ideas with thought leaders and engaging with cutting-edge research specialists. On Friday, October 18th, Simone Massaro will give a presentation on how 44moles uses data science and engineering to support our sustainability goals. Simone will focus on how technology, like handheld LiDAR scanners, can bridge the gap between science and actionable climate solutions. We look forward to contributing to the important discussions at Third Infinity's biennial conference and to learning from some of the brightest minds in the field. Join us as we explore how science and technology can work hand in hand to create a more sustainable future.

The #44moles team checking in from Munich for #Bits24 ✨ Visit our booth and ask us anything about laser forests - no lederhosen required, but certainly welcome 😉

In case you didn’t notice, we’ve rebranded. And not just in name (from 44.moles to 44moles) – we’ve actually updated who we are as a company, focusing strictly on providing high-quality data about the world’s best carbon sinks – forests! 🌳 (Check out our CEO Sebastian Seidel’s announcement on his LinkedIn page to learn more about that.) If you want to talk to us about our startup journey, how we are integrating LiDAR technology with AI, or simply exchange ideas about innovative solutions to climate change, stop by our booth at the Startup Exhibition at Bits & Pretzels on Sunday and Monday! #Bits24 Otherwise, maybe we’ll see you at Oktoberfest 😉

Along the world’s coastlines, mangroves stand tall as natural protectors where land meets sea. These forests, characterized by their distinctive roots and adaptability to saline environments, are a sanctuary for a wide range of species. One of the key functions of mangroves is their role as nursery grounds for marine life. The shallow waters beneath the mangrove canopy provide a safe haven for juvenile fish, crabs, and shrimp, allowing them to grow and mature before venturing into open waters. Mangroves are also vital nesting sites for a variety of coastal birds like egrets, herons, cormorants, and roseate spoonbills. These birds rely on mangroves for breeding and raising their young. The intricate root systems of mangroves, particularly the red mangrove's aerial roots, create a unique habitat for various invertebrates. Oysters, for example, attach themselves to these roots, filtering water and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. In addition to supporting marine and avian life, mangroves are vital for terrestrial mammals. Animals such as monkeys, sloths, and even tigers in certain regions find essential habitat within these vibrant landscapes. Mangroves heavily support their adjacent coastal areas, particularly coral reefs. Their dense root systems filter out sediment that might otherwise smother nearby coral reefs. This filtration process safeguards delicate corals from harmful land-based runoff. Importantly, mangroves are safe spaces for endangered species like the smalltooth sawfish, manatee, Key deer, and Florida panther, which depend on mangroves at various life stages. Despite their importance, mangrove ecosystems face significant threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Alarmingly, nearly 15% of the species relying on mangroves are currently facing extinction threats, with almost half of the mammals that depend on them for food at risk. But we can make a difference. By supporting mangrove conservation initiatives, reducing our impact on coastal environments, and advocating for sustainable practices — while valuing Indigenous knowledge — we can protect these vital ecosystems and the diverse life forms they sustain. Photo by Sean Phillips

Bits & Pretzels in Munich is happening this Sunday and Monday! Visit our booth at the upper level startup exhibition area to share in our love of forests and learn about their vital role in climate mitigation 🌿 #Bits24

A message from our founder and CEO, Sebastian Seidel 🖊