New Satellite Images Show the Areas Where Forests Could Regrow Without Human Intervention

According to a recent study, 531 million acres of deforested land could recover simply by being left alone.

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Pablo Martínez-Juarez

Deforestation is a significant issue that directly impacts many regions of the planet and generates indirect effects worldwide. The rapid loss of forests often generates alarming news, but occasionally, promising data emerges.

As a matter of fact, recent satellite imagery has revealed some encouraging findings.

531 million acres. A recent study published in Nature estimates that around 531 million acres of land in tropical regions could naturally recover their vegetation. This area is larger than Mexico and represents almost one-fifth of the continental U.S.

The potential for this reforestation is substantial, given that it could slow the rise of greenhouse gas concentrations. According to the research team, the restored forest could potentially store up to 23.4 gigatons of carbon. These reforestation efforts wouldn’t only positively impact the climate but also enhance biodiversity and address other issues like improving water quality.

“Tree planting in degraded landscapes can be costly. By leveraging natural regeneration techniques, nations can meet their restoration goals cost effectively,” co-author Brooke Williams said.

Regrowth mapping study. The research team created a map of the tropics that assesses the potential for regrowth within a radius of 100 feet. The study revealed that five countries (Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, China, and Colombia) account for more than half (52%) of the areas with strong “regeneration potential.”

Methodology. To create the map, researchers used satellite images of small areas where vegetation had grown. They examined imagery taken between 2000 and 2012 and combined these with observations from 2015 to determine whether the vegetation growth was temporary or sustained over time.

The team employed a machine learning tool to identify and exclude areas that had been replanted by humans, allowing the study to focus on natural growth. Scientists then integrated these observations with various data, including soil quality, terrain slope, population density, road density, and other environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Key factors. Understanding the conditions present in reforested environments during that period enabled the team to estimate the potential for deforested land to regenerate naturally. Researchers found that the main factors influencing whether an area would eventually regrow included proximity to existing forests, forest density, and the carbon content of the soil.

What’s next. The results of the study provide some hope for recovery. However, whether this regrowth occurs or is hindered by ongoing deforestation will depend largely on human actions. It’s not just about allowing growth in a general sense. Protecting nearby forests is crucial since their proximity is an important factor for natural regeneration.

The research also refers to “natural regrowth.” By identifying suitable areas for this process, experts can better direct their efforts toward regions where human intervention is most needed, whether that involves planting new trees or safeguarding vulnerable areas.

Image | Fahim Mohammed

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