Publication highlights the importance of understanding territory changes and trends to formulate adaptation and mitigation strategies; it also provides examples of MapBiomas tools and platform
January 30, 2026
Maps and data generated from remote sensing can contribute to the development of solutions to tackle climate change and actions for adaptation and resilience. For this reason, the MapBiomas network launched the publication ''Using MapBiomas data in the climate agenda: How maps and land cover and land use data contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptationa guide aimed at showing how mapping different aspects of land use can be strategic for decision-making.
Published in November 2025, on the occasion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, COP 30, the guide is divided into five chapters, beginning with an explanation of the connection between climate, land use, and forests.
According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), between 13% and 21% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originate from the land use and forestry sector. In Brazil, this relationship is even more significant: according to the SEEG (Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimation System), 71% of Brazilian GHG emissions are associated with land use and change. At the same time, climate change is associated with transformations in land cover and use, observed in both native vegetation and biodiversity as well as in human activities.
Next, the guide shows how data is crucial for understanding and outlining strategies related to six climate challenges: water security, urbanized areas, adaptation to extreme weather events, land use and emissions, food production, and energy transition, and mining.
Regarding water security, for example, the network's mapping shows where natural water bodies are and which ones they are, as well as the increase in anthropogenic water surfaces (such as hydroelectric reservoirs and irrigation).
Data on urbanized areas, on the other hand, indicate where cities are growing, at what pace, and whether this is occurring in risk areas, such as regions susceptible to landslides, which can contribute to urban planning, including the management of green areas.
In the case of extreme weather events, maps and data on the evolution of land cover and land use can support prevention and response actions to these phenomena, helping to ensure the resilience of populations and ecosystems.
Furthermore, monitoring the loss of native vegetation—whether through deforestation or wildfires—as well as the expansion of secondary vegetation, helps in designing mitigation actions related to land use.
In the case of food production, the mapping of agricultural occurrence and expansion areas, different crop types, pasture dynamics, and soil carbon offers important insights for analyses in a sector that faces multiple climate challenges. While the agricultural sector accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, it is simultaneously exposed to risks associated with climate change, highlighting both its mitigation potential and the need for adaptation.
Finally, regarding energy transition, the maps show the expansion of photovoltaic plants, the mapping of crops related to biofuel production, and data on the mining of materials necessary for batteries and wind turbines, among others. These surveys contribute to the development of initiatives in a sector that is extremely strategic for the country.
Throughout the publicatin, maps and modules from the MapBiomas platform are presented, showing how the information provided by the network contributes to understanding how the territory has been changing and identifying trends. This science-based information serves as an ally for public managers, the private sector, and civil society in formulating their adaptation and mitigation solutions. Furthermore, the guide highlights examples of projects and initiatives that utilize the network's data to generate impact in their respective areas of operation.
Access the publication here.