Exploring the Relationship Between Land Use Land Cover and Land Surface Temperature: a Case Study in Bangladesh and the Policy Implications for the Global South

Changes in land use and land cover (LULC) have a considerable impact on land surface temperature (LST) and they are a major driver of climate change. Comprehending the relationship between LULC and LST is crucial when developing effective measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, especially since people in the global south are particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to assess the relationship between LULC and LST in the Barapukuria coal mining region of Bangladesh using Landsat satellite images from 1990 to 2020. Specifically, the study evaluated the distribution of LST in various landforms, developed a cross-sectional profile, and investigated the impact of LULC on LST. The study’s findings indicate a significant conversion of vegetated areas into urban spaces. Over the past 30 years, approximately 56% of the agricultural land in the study area has been converted into settlements and bare land. The area of bare land and settlements expanded by 16% and 11%, respectively, while the areas of agricultural land and vegetation dropped by 24% and 4%, respectively. LST was found to increase with the expansion of bare land and human settlements, with the maximum mean temperature observed for bare land in 2020 at 23.02 °C. Zonal statistics and correlation analysis established a significant positive correlation between LST and settlements, as well as bare land. The results suggest that changes in LULC significantly influence variations in LST, leading to temperature increases as bare land and settlements expand. Additionally, we found that agricultural land had a lower LST compared to other land cover types, possibly due to evapotranspiration. Our research suggests that to create effective policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, policymakers in the global south need to use a holistic approach that considers the relationships between LULC and LST. We also recommend that policy interventions focus on promoting urban green spaces, encouraging sustainable agriculture practices, and regulating urban expansion and deforestation to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.