New warning system to sound alarm on rainforest ‘tipping points’

A file photo showing an aerial view of a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest near Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil. The index uses trends on forest clearance and satellite data on climate and weather going back almost four decades to spot early signals of deforestation. — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: A new early warning system using satellite data to sound the alarm on growing threats to the world’s tropical forests, including worsening drought and logging, aims to stop them reaching a point of no return, scientists said on July 23.

Backed by the National Geographic Society and Swiss watch manufacturer Rolex, almost 60 international scientists devised the system to track rising dangers to the planet’s rainforests, which are vital for protecting the climate and nature.