An international team of researchers, using high-resolution satellite data and artificial intelligence, has been able to locate billions of trees growing in the Sahara Desert. The results were published in the journal Nature in October 2020 - and the discovery made headlines around the world. RESET spoke to research group lead Professor Martin Brandt from the University of Copenhagen to find out more.

Many rural off-grid communities would benefit hugely from being hooked up to a solar power system. But which areas are most suitable for solar power installation? And which are most in need? A new earth observation software is using artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to bring power to people more accurately, efficiently and faster than before.

A satellite-based system for the observation of animals can assist in researching infectious diseases, forecasting natural disasters and protecting species.

Satellites armed with artificial intelligence could act as a high-tech early warning system for environmental damage.

Climate change and intensive land use are making it increasingly difficult for shepherds in sub-Saharan Africa to find good grazing land. The AfriScout app is designed to help shepherds identify these crucial areas.

ICARUS tracks the movements and migration patterns of small animals with the help of data chips and satellites. If you’ve ever seen any animals documentaries filmed over the Serengeti, you already know that herds live and roam around the Savannah, particularly gnus, zebras and antelopes.

More than half of the contiguous remaining forests on the mainland in Southeast Asia are found in Myanmar. These forests are home to many species of animals and plants and are a source of food and protection from flooding (among other things) for the local population. Unfortunately, the rate at which these forests are being illegally cleared is increasing.

With forests covering vast expanses of land, individuals and organisations engaged in illegal logging and deforestation are easily able to evade detection. We take a look at a couple of projects in the Amazon that use satellite and drone technology to detect and punish illegal logging.

When it comes to human rights violations, it is often the weakest members of our society who are hardest hit. This is especially true for those who have no one representing their rights on their side. Using the latest technology, satellites can now be used to detect crimes.