In the dense forests of Odisha, India, a silent transformation has been underway, one that could hold significant implications for the energy sector and climate change mitigation efforts. A recent study published in the journal “Nature Environment and Pollution Technology” (translated to English) has shed light on the spatiotemporal changes in forest cover in the Northeastern Ghat Zone (NEGZ) of Odisha, using multi-year Landsat data.
The research, led by Fawaz Parapurath and his team, including Rashmirekha Senapati, Argha Ghosh, Bama Shankar Rath, and Deepti Verma, utilized the power of cloud computing through the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to analyze changes in Land Use & Land Cover (LULC) from 1990 to 2020. The study divided the region into five classes based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) thresholds: Very Dense Forest (VDF), Moderately Dense Forest (MDF), Open Forest (OF), and Non-Forest Land (NFL).
The findings are stark. Over the 30-year period, forest cover in the NEGZ has reduced by 20%, with a significant decrease in Very Dense Forest area by 14.21%. “The gradual decrease in VDF area is a concerning trend,” noted Parapurath. “It indicates a shift in the forest structure and composition, which can have cascading effects on the ecosystem services these forests provide.”
Conversely, the Open Forest coverage showed a slight increase of 4.56%, suggesting a fragmentation of the forest landscape. The study also found that the settlement area increased by about 130%, pointing to a strong correlation between population growth and deforestation. “The expansion of settlements due to population hike is the primary driver of deforestation and forest fragmentation,” explained Parapurath. “Our analysis showed that population growth and increased settlements accounted for 97% and 93% of the variability in forest cover, respectively.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, acting as natural carbon sinks that help mitigate the effects of climate change. The reduction in forest cover could potentially decrease the region’s capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, impacting global climate change mitigation efforts.
Moreover, the study found that the variation in forest cover could explain 45% variability of the mean air temperature. “This suggests that forest cover plays a significant role in regulating local climate,” said Parapurath. “Preserving and restoring forest cover could be a strategic approach for climate change adaptation and mitigation.”
The research underscores the need for sustainable forest management practices and highlights the importance of integrating land use planning with climate change mitigation strategies. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and energy demand, understanding the dynamics of forest cover changes becomes increasingly critical.
This study, with its innovative use of remote sensing and cloud computing, sets a precedent for future research in the field. It not only provides valuable insights into the spatiotemporal changes in forest cover but also underscores the need for integrated approaches to sustainable development. As Parapurath and his team continue to delve into the complexities of forest dynamics, their work will undoubtedly shape the future of forest management, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.