New Rainforest Vulnerability IndexA group of international scientists and researchers have created a

New Rainforest Vulnerability Index

A group of international scientists and researchers have created a new index to measure tropical rainforest vulnerability using satellite data. The index is called the tropical first vulnerability index (TFVI) and combines various measurements of forest ecological functions and services as well as spatial information to identify potential risks. 

Humid tropical rainforests are especially sensitive to climate change effects like higher temperatures, frequent droughts, extensive deforestation, and changes in land use and climate but are also a key component to them. By using TFVI, scientists hope to monitor and mitigate threats to rainforests before the change is irreversible.

References:JPL,ScienceDaily,Florida News Times,Yahoo NewsGraphicSource:National Geographic, American Geographical Society