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CCI Lecture Series -Lino Augusto Sander de Carvalho, Institute of Geosciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
September 22 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
SATELLITE APPLICATIONS FOR BRAZIL’S
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES: THE ROLE OF
LASA/UFRJ IN CLIMATE EXTREMES RESEARCH
Lino Augusto Sander de Carvalho
Department of Meteorology
Institute of Geosciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Monday, September 22nd, 12PM
300 Bryand Global Science Center
https://maine.zoom.us/j/81207024548?pwd=h8j4L85trRbBoPp12KWWIwPnK4p73i.1&jst=2
Abstract: The Laboratory For Environmental Satellite Applications (Laboratório de Aplicações de Satélites
Ambientais – LASA) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro –
UFRJ) leverages remote sensing data and climate modeling to address environmental and climate challenges across
Brazil’s impacted ecosystems. Among its key initiatives is ALARMES, a real-time satellite-based fire monitoring and early
warning system that provides rapid detection and tracking of vegetation fires, thereby supporting emergency response
and environmental management efforts nationwide. LASA also conducts advanced research on the increasing frequency
of compound drought and atmospheric heatwave events and their role in triggering severe wildfire outbreaks, such as the
2020 Pantanal fires, while investigating the consequent impacts on urban health and mortality. Additionally, the
laboratory integrates satellite observations with atmospheric models to improve the understanding of water cycle
variability and inform water resource management in Brazil’s major river basins. Complementing these efforts, LASA
applies inland, coastal and ocean remote sensing to monitor water ecosystems and processes critical for climate
adaptation along Brazil’s extensive coastline. Furthermore, research on urban climate dynamics, including urban heat
islands, air quality, and socio-environmental vulnerabilities, informs sustainable urban planning and resilience strategies.
Through these multidisciplinary approaches, LASA expects to contribute to vital knowledge and tools to support Brazil’s
response to climate change, offering insights relevant to global climate resilience and adaptation efforts.
