Editor's note
This week offered a few clear examples of how technology continues to find new ways into forestry.
AI is now being used in Brazil to predict and prevent wildfires. Researchers in Germany are turning wood waste into battery materials. Planet has launched a new high-resolution satellite that significantly sharpens how we can monitor forest change. And in Sweden, the approval of virtual fencing could open up new possibilities for smarter land management.
Each story highlights how innovation keeps expanding the boundaries of what forestry can include, from energy and data to biodiversity and restoration.
Axel
AI Protects Brazil’s Forests from Fires
Brazil’s forestry sector is intensifying its use of artificial intelligence for disaster prediction and prevention, particularly to mitigate the severe impacts of forest fires seen in recent years. Investments in genetics and R&D are helping to safeguard forests, improve resilience, and transform fire management strategies.
Batteries Reimagined: Wood Waste Powers Green Tech
Fraunhofer researchers have unveiled batteries developed from wood industry by-products, turning yesterday’s waste into today’s high-performance materials. This innovative tech may catalyze sustainable energy solutions within the forest product value chain.
Planet’s New ‘Owl’ Satellite Sets a Standard for Forest Monitoring
The launch of Owl, Planet’s latest high-resolution satellite, marks a leap forward in environmental observation. The new satellites deliver near-daily 1-meter resolution imagery, dramatically sharper than previous 3–4 meter products - allowing foresters and conservationists to track changes in biomass and canopy health in greater detail than ever before.
Sweden Approves Virtual Electric Fencing for Livestock
Swedish authorities have authorized virtual electric fencing, opening up possibilities for innovative animal management. The technology could inspire new approaches to agroforestry where forestry and grazing are combined. Perhaps even be used with roaming goat herds to clear vegetation under power lines.
Grassland Fungi Tech: A New Tool for Post-Harvest Species Planning
Newly published standards and protocols for identifying grassland fungi represent a step forward for digital ecology. This technology could help foresters evaluate soil species composition after harvest, supporting smart species selection and ecosystem recovery.