Exploring and Managing Earth from the Sky

Earth's ecosystems are changing faster now than any time since the last ice age. Ironically we know little about most ecosystems, especially those in remote areas unexplored by scientists. To address this challenge, Greg Asner's team combines laser and spectral instrumentation aboard a fixed-wing aircraft, the Carnegie Airborne Observatory, to produce detailed, 3-D imagery revealing the composition and health of ecosystems. Dr. Asner will discuss the Observatory's revolutionary capabilities, and how it is yielding new scientific discoveries while accelerating conservation and management of our planet's resources.