Biospheric carbon

SpecNet data can be used for monitoring phenology and biospheric carbon fluxes, which, at present, are not well represented in carbon markets. SpecNet measurements provides a link between fluxes and remote sensing, which is needed if we are to "scale" from local fluxes (e.g. chamber or eddy covariance measurements) to regional and global understanding (e.g. satellite maps). These measurements can also be used to validate aircraft and satellite imagery used in the calculation of carbon fluxes and stocks.

In keeping with the UN Climate Change Conference recommendations regarding Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD), SpecNet researchers are working to update and standardize monitoring techniques to develop more robust and reliable methods for assessing carbon stocks and fluxes from a variety of terrestrial ecosystems. These efforts can assist policymakers devise positive incentives for enhancement of biospheric carbon stocks and sustainable management these stocks.

To this end, SpecNet members have developed a White Paper including a Summary of Emerging Carbon Markets and Related Policies, Summary of Existing Methods for Estimating Biospheric Carbon Stocks & Fluxes, Cyberinfrastructure Assessment, and a Summary of Existing Efforts and Networks Related to BCN. Find out more at http://biosphericcarbonnetwork.org/