Remote Sensing for Assessing Natural Capital in Inclusive Wealth of Nations: Current Capabilities and Gaps

Abstract

The Inclusive Wealth Index has been proposed as a suitable measurement of sustainable growth and development of nations. This index consists of natural, produced, and human capital. A systematic and verifiable assessment of natural capital across countries has proven to be challenging. This paper proposes that natural capital be evaluated in a consistent manner through the use of earth observation satellites. 96 and 110 instruments were identified to observe forest and agricultural resources, respectively, thus a strong capability exists for these natural capital categories. However, current remote sensing capabilities can only go so far. Only 20 instruments were identified that can potentially be used for fish stock assessment. Although 72 instruments were identified to have mineral observation capabilities, data post processing is needed to accurately assess mineral stocks. 35 instruments were identified to assist in fossil fuel observation, but given that supply data exists for fossil fuels, this capability gap is not considered critical. By examining these capability gaps, scientists can direct their attention to payloads that will enable remote sensing technologies to assist in the measurement of the Inclusive Wealth Index.