Forests From Space

Forests are the most common type of the terrestrial ecosystems. Covering about one third of the total land area, they produce almost two thirds of organic matter, sustain oxygen and energy balance, and control global biochemistry and biophysics, including water and carbon cycles on our planet. However, what can be said about the current state of terrestrial forests? Where do they grow, how many species are there, what is their productivity, how fast do they change? And, last but not the least, are they – and will they be – capable to regulate climate and water cycle, function as a habitat for many plant and animal species, factor of human health, and a source of timber. What is the scope of the impact, which anthropogenic (i.e. having human origin) factors have on the terrestrial forests, and will they result in the degradation of forests.

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