Reduced Vegetation Cover Research Articles

Stingless Bee Foraging Activity Related to Environmental Aspects.

The environment where bee colonies are inserted must provide the necessary resources for their survival. Given this, any biotic and abiotic changes in the environment can affect the development and survival of the colonies. We evaluated the foraging activity of Plebeia droryana (Friese), Scaptotrigona bipunctata (Lepetelier), and Melipona quadrifasciata (Lepetelier) in areas with different land uses and land cover. These areas were classified as predominantly (i) urbanized/forest (CDA-Cidade das Abelhas), (ii) agricultural (FER-Fazenda Experimental da Ressacada), and (iii) with dense vegetation (SFB-Sitio Florbela). We correlated the morphometric characteristics of the bees with the pollen load transported. Four colonies from each species were installed in the three areas. We recorded light, wind speed, humidity, and temperature and counted the foragers returning with nectar, pollen, and resin. Plebeia droryana and S. bipunctata collected more resin and nectar in with dense vegetation area compared to agricultural area. Scaptotrigona bipunctata collected more pollen in urbanized/forest area and with dense vegetation area, and M. quadrifasciata did not show differences in foraging activity between areas. Plebeia droryana and M. quadrifasciata showed moderate and strong correlations between morphometric characteristics and pollen load. SFB had higher luminosity and wind speed. CDA had higher average temperature. FER had higher humidity. The three species showed positive and negative correlations between temperature and light and foraging in the different areas. Smaller species showed a higher gathering of resources in the area predominantly covered by dense vegetation. The reduction of vegetation cover can affect the resource collection activity of stingless bees.

Quantitative assessment of Hurricane Ian’s damage on urban vegetation dynamics utilizing Landsat 9 in Fort Myers, Florida

Florida’s unique climatic and geographical features have profoundly influenced its hurricane history. This study quantitatively examines the effects of Hurricane Ian on urban vegetation in Fort Myers, Florida, using remote sensing data. We analyzed pre- and post-hurricane vegetation indices, including NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), ARVI (Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index), and SAVI (Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index). Our findings reveal varied spatial impacts, with NDVI changes ranging from −0.03 to 0.333, ARVI changes from −0.016 to 0.25, and SAVI changes from −0.04 to 0.5. Negative values indicate vegetation damage, while positive values suggest resilience or recovery. The study area experienced a 63.75% reduction in vegetation cover, from 67.10 km2 before Hurricane Ian to 24.325 km2 after. Pre-hurricane NDVI ranged from −0.2298 to 0.5663, while post-hurricane values ranged from −0.189 to 0.521, indicating overall vegetation stress. ARVI maxima decreased from 0.379 to 0.352, and SAVI maxima from 0.849 to 0.782, further confirming vegetation damage. Support Vector Machine classification achieved 89% accuracy (Kappa = 0.85) for pre-hurricane and 87% (Kappa = 0.83) for post-hurricane vegetation mapping. These findings enhance our understanding of hurricane impacts on urban green infrastructure, with significant implications for urban planning and disaster preparedness in coastal cities prone to extreme weather events. The outcomes enhance damage assessment methodologies and provide valuable insights into the ecological consequences of hurricanes on urban ecosystems.

Spatio-temporal evolution of water erosion in the western Songnen Plain: Analysis of its response to land use dynamics and climate change

Preventing water erosion is crucial for maintaining ecosystems and ensuring food security, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of water erosion and its underlying drivers. In the context of global warming, analyzing the impacts of land use dynamics and climate change on water erosion contributes to effective land management and sustainability of both industry and agriculture. This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of water erosion in the western Songnen Plain from 1990 to 2020 using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), with a focus on assessing the impacts of land use and climate on water erosion. The results revealed a 7.1 % increase in the area experiencing water erosion above light levels in the western Songnen Plain. The hotspots for water erosion were located in the southeast and northwest of the study area. The rapid expansion of farmland and land salinization, leading to reduced vegetation cover and soil property deterioration, were the main causes of intensified water erosion in the region before 2000. Although water erosion was slightly alleviated after 2000, the further expansion of farmland, the worsened water erosion intensity in alkaline land and frequent extreme weather still posed serious threats to water erosion in the study area. Water erosion was positively correlated with temperature and dry/wet alternation events, including frequency, duration, and severity. In addition, land use type was the main factor influencing the heterogeneous distribution of water erosion in the western Songnen Plain, whose interaction with dry/wet alternation events had the strongest explanatory power. Therefore, this study calls for the implementation of soil and water conservation measures to mitigate the impacts of land cultivation, salinization, and climate change on water erosion.

Ecosystem health assessment of the largest lake wetland in the Yellow River basin using an improved vigor-organization-resilience-services model

Wuliangsu Lake is the largest lake wetland in the Yellow River basin, it is the Northern Sand Belt of China, which is essential to maintaining ecological security in northern China and the areas downstream. With the increasing environmental problems, the basin has become a sensitive and complex geographical unit, and a better understanding of the level of ecosystem health in the basin is helpful for policymakers in developing measures for ecological restoration and eco-space management. In this study, we proposed an improved VORS model containing ecosystem vigor, organization, resilience and services to assess the ecosystem health in the Wuliangsu Lake Basin in 2000, 2011, and 2022. To improve spatial precision, the study area was partitioned into grids measuring 2 km × 2 km each. The results indicated that: (1) the ecosystem health showed a slight increase trend, which indicated by the increase level grids reached 94 % in 2000–2022 change. (2) The reduction in vegetation cover decreased the ecosystem vigor, which was indicated by the weak level increased from 22 % in 2000 to 73 % in 2022. Ecosystem structure becomes more complex enhanced the ecosystem organization, the value increased from 0.3 to 0.6 in 2000 to 0.6–0.8 in 2022. Ecosystem resilience slightly declined in 2011 and 2022, ecosystem services were relatively stable but were dominated by weak levels. (3) The majority land use type in the study area is farmland, and the ecosystem vigor decreases as the area of grassland decreases to farmland in these 22 years. The ecosystem’s structure was enhanced and the land use structure was progressively brought into balance. Changes in all four parameters of ecosystem health assessment are related to land use, and changes in ecosystem health are likewise related to land use changes. The improved VORS model constructed for the Wuliangsu Lake Basin objectively reflect the basin’s state of ecosystem health, and provide a reference for ecological restoration and basin regional planning.

The northernmost Polish Eemian palaeolake near Łęczyce − Stratigraphic and palaeoecological implications for a MIS 6a − MIS 5d sediment record

We report the results of high-resolution multi-proxy studies of a 10 m thick sedimentary profile from Łęczyce, Poland. It reveals a continuous lacustrine succession from the Eemian Interglacial. On this basis, we have distinguished seven sedimentary units (U7a-U7f) and ten local palynological zones (LPAZ Lec 1 − Lec 10), revealing the evolution of the lake from the moment of dead-ice melting, through the continuous filling of the lake basin with organic mud, to the final stage of shallowing and transformation into a peat bog. This northernmost known Eemian site was investigated for the first time, therefore, the reconstructed changes in local conditions were correlated with global changes from the final phase of the penultimate glaciation through the Eemian Interglacial to the beginning of the last glaciation. The results show that the melting of dead ice blocks at this site was delayed compared to central Poland, with lacustrine processes starting as glaciolimnic sedimentation. Furthermore, the delayed start of vegetation development around the lake resulted in the absence of a Pinus-Betula-Ulmus E2 level. During the Eemian, local conditions were generally stable, and sedimentation took place in a relatively deep basin with well-defined epilimnion and hypolimnion zones. Climatic instability at the end of the Eemian resulted in reduced vegetation cover. During the first climatic deterioration in the Weichselian (presumably the Herning Stadial), lacustrine sedimentation was reduced and the deposition of fine-grained mineral material predominated. This was followed by the complete drying out of the lake and the development of soil formation. The subsequent climatic warming (Brørup Interstadial?) recorded in the uppermost part of the profile (U7f) was characterised by the plant community Lec 10 (Carpinus-Corylus-Picea) and was presumably warmer than commonly assumed. Multi-proxy studies show that the development of the lake was more similar to that of southern Scandinavia than to that of Poland.

Temperature and palaeolake evolution during a Middle Pleistocene interglacial–glacial transition at the Palaeolithic locality of Schöningen, Germany

The Middle Pleistocene Reinsdorf sequence at the Lower Palaeolithic sites of Schöningen offers the opportunity to reconstruct a rarely well‐preserved post‐Holsteinian environmental transition from an interglacial into a glacial phase along with its highly dynamic interjacent climatic oscillations. Combining biological proxies, element composition and stable isotope ratios of two lakeshore sequences at excavation site 13 II, we demonstrate repeated variations in climate, hydrology and catchment vegetation cover. New ostracod‐based quantitative mean summer and winter air temperature reconstructions with the Mutual Ostracod Temperature Range (MOTR) method provide the first detailed information about the temperature evolution. The interglacial temperature maximum, probably corresponding to Marine Isotope Stage 9e, is followed by a first dry phase and, during the younger part of the Reinsdorf sequence, by a second dry period. Both were marked by lower precipitation/evaporation ratios, reduced vegetation cover in the catchment and increased surface inflows from springs. Temperature reconstructions of these two steppe (open woodland) phases yield very narrow ranges for mean January (−4–0 °C) and July (+17–19 or +17–21 °C) air temperatures, demonstrating that, while summers were similar to those of today, winters were at least 1 °C colder, hinting at a more pronounced continental climate. Precise temperature estimates for the interjacent woodland and steppe (woodland) phase are hindered by generally wider ranges produced by the MOTR method (January mean −4–3 °C, July mean +15–21 °C). The development of a more extensive vegetation cover, reducing surface runoff and erosion in favour of increased river and groundwater discharge, as indicated by a shift in microfossil and stable isotope records, suggests generally more humid climates with higher precipitation/evaporation ratios as well as reduced seasonal temperature variations.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Carbon and Nitrogen in Subtropical Urban Streams (Santo André, SP, Brazil)

Urban sprawl poses a significant threat to urban stream water quality due to impermeabilization, reduced vegetation cover, and the release of diffuse pollutants. This study evaluates water quality in seven catchments in Santo André, SP, considering seasonality. Nutrient concentrations and in situ measurements were taken during both dry and rainy seasons. Comparisons were made using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Streams showed significant differences in relation to water quality parameters. The Carapetuba, Jundiaí, and Apiaí streams were most adversely affected, underscoring the need for urgent water quality intervention (water conductivity above 500 μS/cm, dissolved oxygen below 2 mg/L, total dissolved carbon above 50 mg/L, and total dissolved nitrogen above 25 mg/L). Significant differences were observed across seasons. The dry season showed elevated temperatures (above 25 °C) and increased total dissolved carbon (above 50 mg/L) and nitrogen concentrations (above 30 mg/L), indicating reduced dilution effects from rainfall and heightened organic contamination. Conversely, the wet season demonstrated lower nutrient concentrations, emphasizing seasonal dynamics. Sustained, long-term monitoring of urban streams in Santo André and the implementation of sewage collection and treatment in irregular settlements are recommended. These measures are essential to mitigate the adverse impacts of urban expansion on water quality.

Integrated hydrological modeling and water resource assessment in the Mayurakshi River Basin: A comprehensive study from historical data to future predictions

This study employs the SWAT hydrologic model to integrate climatological and hydrological processes for an in-depth analysis of the Mayurakshi River Basin. Utilizing the Markov Chain Model, the study evaluates water availability, flow patterns, and the basin's response to various climatic and land-use scenarios. Over 30 years of daily observed river discharge data were rigorously calibrated, validated, and analyzed for uncertainty, with critical data from the Massanjore Dam and Tilpara Barrage gauge stations characterizing the river's hydrological behavior. The result suggests the watershed received an average annual precipitation of 1432.4 mm, with evapotranspiration accounting for 40% of total water loss (578.4 mm). Surface runoff constituted over 90% of the total discharge, highlighting its importance for agricultural practices, particularly during the dry season. However future projections (2021-2031) indicate a significant decrease in mean annual precipitation (1404.7 mm) and a drop in evapotranspiration (542.1 mm or 38% of mean precipitation), attributed to reduced vegetation cover and increased settlement, leading to enhanced surface runoff. By quantifying internal renewable blue water, evapotranspiration, and soil water, this research provides crucial data for long-term water resource planning and assessment. The findings are valuable for national, regional, and transboundary water management agencies, offering insights into sustainable water resource management under changing climatic and different land-use conditions.

Impact of Urbanization Processes on Vegetation Cover in the Cities Over the Last Two Decades

Background: The process of urbanization serves as a prominent factor leading to the vegetation cover decline in major cities worldwide. This issue has significant consequences for the living environment on a global scale. Methods: Leveraging the latest advancements in remote sensing techniques (RSTs) and utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery, this study aims to assess the vegetation cover alteration (VCA) in correlation with the urbanization process in Thai Nguyen City, Vietnam. Landsat 5 TM and Sentinel 2A satellite imagery were used to analyze the VCA in Thai Nguyen City during the period from 2001 to 2023. Thai Nguyen city is recognized as the third largest in Northern Vietnam, following the capital city of Hanoi and Hai Phong City and ranks as the tenth most populous city in Vietnam. Result: The results obtained from this study demonstrate a substantial overall expansion, with the total urban land increasing from 386 hectares in 2001 to 1045 hectares in 2010 and experiencing a rapid surge in 2023, reaching a remarkable 4409 hectares. In general, analyzed results based on VCA maps indicated an overall vegetation cover reduction across the study area. This indicates that the study area has reached a critically high level of degradation in terms of vegetation cover. These findings emphasize the escalating risks associated with the diminishing vegetation cover detected across the study area.

Perspectives of nature-based tourism-dependent communities on climate change in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

The intensity and frequency of climate extremes such as heat waves, droughts and extreme rainfall events are projected to rise. This will increase the severity of their impacts across socio-ecological systems. Economic sectors such as nature-based tourism become more vulnerable because of their reliance on climate and natural capital as key resources. While attempts have been made to understand how climate change may impact tourists and the industry itself, little is known about the same on tourism-dependent communities. This paper determines the extent to which tourism-dependent communities are vulnerable to climate change in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, to enhance their wider livelihood the development of strategies for improving adaptive capacity, resilience, and reduced exposure sensitivities. A household survey of 172 households was conducted in three purposively selected villages of Mababe, Sankuyo and Khwai, actively involved in community-based tourism for their socio-economic development. Information sourced related to livelihood options, peoples' resilience, local risks, and hazards. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results indicate that respondents have observed climatic changes over the years such as increased temperatures, decreased rainfall, and increased frequencies of extreme events. The respondents attributed changes in natural capital to these observed climatic conditions in the form of desiccation, dwindling populations of some wildlife species, decreased fish stocks and reduced vegetation cover. This renders the tourism-dependent communities vulnerable as their livelihood is threatened. The paper thus concludes that climate change adaptation is an urgent priority for local communities who are already exposed to existing climatic and non-climatic stresses.

Updated chronology for Peoria Silt (loess) accumulation in Illinois and western Indiana from radiocarbon dating of terrestrial gastropod shells

AbstractBased on calibrated radiocarbon ages of terrestrial gastropod shells (Succineidae, Discus, Stenotrema, Webbhelix), the chronology of Peoria Silt (loess) deposition in the Central Lowlands is updated. These taxa provide reliable ages (within ~0.2 ka), based on historical shell dating, shell-organic age comparisons, and stratigraphic consistency. A compilation of 53 new and 36 published Peoria Silt shell ages (calibrated), from 12 localities, date from 30.0 to 17.4 ka. Proximal (fossiliferous) loess from 10 sections had mean loess accumulation rates of 0.6–2.2 mm/yr. Study sites along the upper Mississippi, Illinois, to mid-Mississippi, and Ohio-Wabash Valleys suggest Peoria loess accumulated from ~27 to 15 ka, ~29 to 18 ka, and ~30 to 18 ka, respectively. The cessation age for Peoria Silt, based on surface extrapolations, is ~1–6 ka earlier than some prior Illinois estimates, even assuming slower loess accumulation in the modern solum. Younger loess in northwestern Illinois likely reflects, in part, Superior and Des Moines Lobe glacial-meltwater sediment, and Iowan Erosion Surface inputs to the upper Mississippi Valley, after the Lake Michigan Lobe receded. Furthermore, stronger winds, drier conditions, and reduced vegetation cover in valley deflation areas may have favored higher accumulation rates and later loess deposition in northwestern relative to southeastern areas.

Effect of an herbivorous subterranean rodent on vegetation in relation to primary productivity

AbstractSubterranean rodents modify the surrounding environment being classified, in some cases, as keystone species and/or ecosystem engineers. This role could be context‐dependent if the changes produced shift throughout the species distribution range and are stronger under certain environmental conditions. Our objective was to analyse whether the effect of Ctenomys mendocinus on vegetation cover is context‐dependent. Given that primary productivity may increase plants' ability to tolerate or compensate following herbivory, we hypothesize that the effect of C. mendocinus on vegetation cover will be context‐dependent along a primary productivity gradient, with smaller effects in highly productive environments and larger effects in less productive ones. We compared the effect of C. mendocinus on plant cover among four contrasting environments and found that it depended on primary productivity in a predictable manner. In low productivity environments, the rodent significantly reduces vegetation cover, while it has no discernible effect in highly productive ones. These findings suggest that the effect of C. mendocinus on plant cover depends on primary productivity level and highlights the importance of accounting for the underlying environmental factors that influence the intensity of C. mendocinus–plant interaction.

Environmental risk analysis of a Ramsar site: a case study of east Kolkata wetlands with PSR framework.

The East Kolkata Wetlands (EKWT), designated as a Ramsar Site for its crucial role in sewage water purification, agriculture and pisciculture, faces escalating environmental threats due to rapid urbanisation. Employing the pressure-state-response (PSR) framework and Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), this study spans three decades to elucidate the evolving dynamics of EKWT. Using Landsat TM and OLI images from 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021, the research identifies key parameters within the PSR framework. Principal component analysis generates environmental risk maps, revealing a 46% increase in urbanisation, leading to reduced vegetation cover and altered land surface conditions. The spatial analysis, utilizing Getis-Ord Gi* statistics, pinpoints risk hotspots and coldspots in the EKWT region. Correlation analysis underscores a robust relationship between urbanisation, climatic response and environmental risk. Decadal ERA exposes a noteworthy surge in high-risk areas, indicating a deteriorating trend. Quantitative assessments pinpoint environmental risk hotspots, emphasizing the imperative for targeted conservation measures. The study establishes a direct correlation between environmental risk and air quality, underscoring the broader implications of EKWT's degradation. While acknowledging the East Kolkata administration's efforts, the research recognises its limitations and advocates a holistic, multidisciplinary approach for future investigations. Recommendations encompass the establishment of effective institutions, real-time monitoring, public engagement and robust anti-pollution measures. In offering quantitative insights, this study provides an evidence-based foundation for conservation strategies and sustainable management practices essential to safeguard the East Kolkata Wetlands.

Host sweet host: Rodent communities support similar ectoparasite diversity regardless of anthropogenic disturbance

AbstractRodents are important hosts for ectoparasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which means they are also important intermediate hosts for many zoonotic diseases. As anthropogenic environments bring humans and rodents into closer contact, an understanding of host–ectoparasite ecology is essential to predict and manage disease spillover risks. We aimed to understand how disturbances in vegetation cover affect rodent ectoparasite diversity, prevalence, spatial segregation, host (i.e., sex, genus, size, and habitat domain), and environmental (i.e., vegetation structure, forest cover, and rainfall) variables in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. We investigated these relationships by trapping rodents in five paired disturbed (reduced vegetation cover and regular human activities) and undisturbed (no reduction in vegetation cover) sites in the summer and autumn of 2022. From 110 trapped rodents, we collected 138 ectoparasites on 38 individuals. We found no difference in rodent diversity, ectoparasite diversity, or ectoparasite prevalence between disturbed and undisturbed sites. However, arboreal and male rodents had a higher probability of carrying ectoparasites than ground‐dwelling and female rodents. Rodents with ectoparasites were not spatially clustered; rather, they were randomly distributed across trapping grids. We also identified two rodent genera (Rattus and Sigmodon) that carry ectoparasites of medical importance and that are in close contact with humans. Our results highlight the necessity of constant monitoring of rodents, ectoparasites, and their associated transmittable diseases. Assessing these interactions and how they are affected by anthropogenic disturbance could better inform management decisions and support the need for rodent conservation programmes in the area.

Cloud-Based Remote Sensing and Analysis of Vegetation Cover Changes in Key Regions of Oceania

The main objective of this research is to use cloud platforms to conduct a shallow survey of vegetation cover variations in Oceania. It is well-known that compared with the northern hemisphere, Oceania has a more unique ecosystem. The geographic position of Oceania is close to the equator. Therefore, the climate of some regions in Oceania is warm and has full precipitation, which is different from that in the Northern Hemisphere. This considerably influences changes in vegetation cover and makes comprehending vegetation cover tendency important for environmental protection measures. The change in vegetation cover from 2015 to 2022 was analyzed using cloud technology and remote sensing data. My findings mainly include the expansion and reduction of vegetation cover in major regions of Oceania. These results provide valuable insight into the dynamic properties of Oceanian ecosystems. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the ecological environment in Oceania and highlights the potential of cloud platforms in remote sensing and ecological monitoring. These findings have important implications for environmental policies, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management in the region.

Ventifacts and wind deflation surfaces in context with glaciofluvial sediment successions in southern Sweden – Their age and implication for glacial history

Recent suggestions propose that the glacial landscape in southern Sweden is primarily a relict from the Saalian glaciation (>130 ka). The arguments for this standpoint are the assertion that the majority of glaciofluvial deposits in this region are till-covered, and that wind-abraded clasts are observed at the contact between glaciofluvial sediments and till at numerous locations. Furthermore, it has been posited that this wind abrasion occurred during periglacial conditions during the Early Weichselian, preceding the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). If this hypothesis holds true, it would necessitate a significant shift in our understanding of the Quaternary geological history for this region. To test this claim, we conducted an extensive examination of the purported stratigraphic conditions within 54 gravel pits situated south of the Middle Swedish End Moraine Zone (MSEMZ). The presence of a covering till bed on top of glaciofluvial sediments could only be confirmed in 22% of the gravel pits, and these sites were almost exclusively associated with ice-margin standstills/oscillations during the Late Weichselian deglaciation. In all other gravel pits where covering till could not be verified, ventifacts occur in several stratigraphic positions: at the contact between glaciofluvial and overlying littoral sediment, redeposited ventifacts within littoral sediment, and ventifacts at the contact between glaciofluvial or littoral sediments and overlying aeolian sediment. We conducted an extensive luminescence dating program (comprising 74 samples) in 22 of the gravel pits to determine the age of the ventification by dating underlying and overlying sediments. We conclude that wind abrasion across southern Sweden was not a single simultaneous event but rather a time-transgressive or recurrent process. It occurred in close conjunction with local deglaciation in some instances, while in others, it transpired later, extending into the Early Holocene. Notably, none of the encountered ventifact surfaces are of a pre-LGM age. For sites along the west coast, the evidence indicates a first wind abrasion event during periglacial conditions roughly between 17 and 16 ka. In upland sites, ventifact formation either occurred immediately after deglaciation, during the Bølling−Allerød interstadial complex (14.7−12.8 ka), or during the Younger Dryas. Even though the ice margin was situated far to the north of these sites during the latter event, concurrent patterned ground formation suggests a harsh climate with reduced vegetation cover, leading to sand drift and ventifact formation in both coastal and upland areas. In some locations, the sand drift and subsequent aeolian sediment deposition persisted into the Early Holocene. Based on our stratigraphic investigations and dates, we reject the idea that southern Sweden's glacial landscape was shaped primarily during the Saalian.

Novel approach for the LULC change detection using GIS & Google Earth Engine through spatiotemporal analysis to evaluate the urbanization growth of Ahmedabad city

Changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) have a significant impact on both urban and environmental planning, especially in the context of rapidly urbanising areas. The largest city in the state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, has experienced substantial growth. Utilising the powerful tools of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Google Earth Engine (GEE), this study uses a thorough methodology to track and examine changes in LULC over the last ten years. Modifications in LULC have a significant impact on both urban and environmental planning, especially in light of the fast urbanisation cycle. This study uses a comprehensive approach to monitor and analyze Landsat imagery changes in LULC over the past ten years, leveraging the powerful capabilities of Google Earth Engine and GIS. Important insights into LULC patterns are revealed by analysing Landsat imagery from Ahmedabad from 2013 to 2023. Pre-processing with GIS and GEE, accuracy evaluation, and classification of satellite images are all included in the methodology. With a notable 0.85 Kappa and 89 % accuracy in LULC classification, the resulting LULC classifications cover settlements, vegetation, water bodies, arid land, and other relevant features. Results show that over the previous ten years, Ahmedabad has seen a noteworthy decrease in agricultural lands of 13.74 % and a reduction in barren areas of 4.78 %. Meanwhile, the total LULC patterns have shown a significant expansion of 23.56 %. This study is significant because it highlights how urbanisation reduces vegetation cover. The results will helpful for urban planning strategies that take changing environmental dynamics into account.

Assessing vegetation cover and valuing ecosystem services in southwestern Ethiopia: Implications for conservation.

The Bench-Sheko zone, parts of the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot, is characterized by its rich biodiversity. However, recent reductions in vegetation cover have drawn concern, highlighting the critical role of remote sensing in monitoring these alterations is critical. Furthermore, this study evaluates the economic value of the ecosystem services rendered by the diverse types of vegetation cover class in the area. The classification of vegetation types and measuring their ecosystem benefits are crucial for monitoring vegetation and analyzing land cover changes. estimating the value of ecosystem services is vital for environmental impact assessments, cost-benefit analyses, and creating payment schemes for these natural services. For the vegetation cover map, it uses Sentinel-2 satellite data and a Random Forest classifier using Google Earth Engine. Based on a properly chosen reference, ecosystem service assessment approaches include benefit transfer, direct market value, and the social cost of carbon. The results highlight the vegetation classes' enormous value and the services they offer. The largest value for Supporting Services (2829.3 USD ha⁻1yr⁻1) is found in the Remnant Forest, which makes up 30.98% of the total area. With the highest value for both cultural services (2847.7 USD ha⁻1yr⁻1) and regulatory services (5063.9 USD ha⁻1yr⁻1), the wetlands, which make up 4.35% of the total area, stand out. The total annual value of all ecosystem services provided by all vegetation classes is estimated to be 2.089 billion USD. When paired with methods for tracking and assessing changes in vegetation cover over time, high-resolution satellite images and precise classification algorithms can offer insightful information on the condition of the environment and support informed decision-making. In order to evaluate and convey to society and policymakers the advantages of vegetation cover, the value of ecosystem services is essential.

Effect of sociodemographic factors on the adoption of environmental conservation practices in Kimao dam catchment, Baringo County, Kenya

Demographic and land size owned by households often impact the adoption of environmental conservation approaches in wetlands. Kimao dam is at risk of sedimentation, considering the steep topology and reduced vegetation cover. Contemporary attempts by stakeholders to restore water catchments are insufficient due to the low adoption rate of the environmental conservation measures. The study assessed factors that cause the low adoption rate of the environmental conservation practices among households within the Kimao catchment area in Kimalel location, Baringo County. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine the effects of sociodemographic factors (age, gender, household number) on the adoption of environmental conservation practices, and (ii) establish the effects of land size owned by households on the adoption of environmental conservation practices. The ex-post-facto research design was used. A stratified proportional random sample of 225 households was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 26). The results showed that the level of adoption of environmental conservation practices was low (M=9.47, SD=4.7) on a scale of 1 to 22. The level of adoption of environmental conservation practices within the Kimao dam catchment area was found to be affected by age of the household head (β=.294, t=4.59, p=.001) and household number (β=0.147, t=2.22, p=0.027) but not gender (t=-0.648, df=223, p=0.518). The Land size (β=0.162, t-2.45, p=0.015), also affected the level of adoption of environmental conservation practices. Demographic factors act independently or synergistically with other factors to influence policy adoptions in water ecosystem management. Stakeholders need to provide sound scientific and feasible policies to collaboratively manage the Kimao dam. The findings of the study will influence policy development in implementing environmental conservation practices in Baringo County.

Insights into heat islands at the regional scale using a data-driven approach

Urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon is crucial in the context of climate change. However, while substantial attention has been given to studying UHIs within cities, our understanding at the regional level still needs to be improved. This study delves into the intricate dynamics of the regional heat island (RHI) by examining its relationship with land use/land cover (LULC), vegetation, and elevation. The objective is to enhance our knowledge of RHI to inform effective mitigation strategies. The research employs a data-driven approach, leveraging satellite data and spatial modeling, examining surface and canopy-layer regional heat islands, and considering daytime and nighttime variations. To assess the impact of LULC, the study evaluates three main categories: anthropized (urbanized), agricultural, and wooded/semi-natural environments. Furthermore, it delves into the influence of vegetation on RHI and incorporates elevation data to understand its role in RHI intensity. The findings reveal meaningful variations in heat islands across different LULCs, providing essential insights. Although urbanized areas exhibit the highest RHI intensity, agricultural regions contribute notably to RHI due to land use changes and reduced vegetation cover. This emphasizes the significant impact of human activities. In contrast, wooded and semi-natural environments demonstrate potential for mitigating RHI, owing to their dense vegetation and shading effects. Elevation, while generally associated with reduced heat island, shows variations based on local conditions. Ultimately, this research underscores the complexity of the RHI phenomenon and the importance of considering factors such as different temperatures and their daily variation, landscape heterogeneity, and elevation. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of sustainable spatial planning and land management. Targeted efforts to increase vegetation in high daytime land surface temperature areas can reduce heat storage and mitigate RHI. Similarly, planning for agroforestry and green infrastructure in agricultural areas can significantly increase resilience to climate.