Spatial analysis of land cover changes for detecting environmental degradation and promoting sustainability

Abstract

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the changes in land-use and land-cover (LULC) emerges as a persistent and significant threat, profoundly impacting the stability of eco-biodiversity. This study analyzes LULC changes using remote sensing techniques to detect environmental degradation in Abeokuta South, Nigeria, contributing to the discourse on environmental sustainability. LULC maps for the years 2002, 2012, and 2022 were generated, incorporating spectral environmental indicators such as land surface temperature (LST), normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) from Landsat 7 and 8 satellite images. The support vector machine (SVM), and FRAGSTATS software, operating within the IDRISI and Arc-MAP environment, were employed to evaluate the area's LULC changes and land-use metrics. The findings revealed that built-up areas from 2000 to 2022 underwent the most significant changes, increasing by 39.52 km2 (55.85 %), while a noticeable decrease in vegetation cover trend by 27.95 km2 (36.45 %) was observed. Spatial land-use metrics, in conjunction with LST, NDVI, and NDBI, illustrated the quantitative and qualitative environmental changes in the area. Undeniably, the amalgamation of satellite remote-sensed data and spatial land-use metrics offers valuable tools to provide ecological information for urban sustainability. In light of these findings, the study underscores the need for urgent attention from society, government, and stakeholders to manage population growth and balance human needs for a sustainable environment, thereby contributing to the broader goal of environmental sustainability.