Exploring the Effects of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) Modifications and Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Pune, Maharashtra with Anticipated LULC for 2030.

Land surface temperature (LST) is a crucial parameter influencing the thermal environment of urban and natural areas. Land use/land cover (LULC) patterns significantly impact LST, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of their relationship. This study delves into the intricate interplay between LULC and LST in Pune city, India, employing a spatiotemporal analysis approach. The study utilizes satellite imagery from 2000, 2010, and 2022 to map LULC changes with Maximum likelihood, support vector machine and Random tree classification and their evaluation with accuracy and Kappa coefficient. Additionally, projected LULC for 2030 is prepared to assess future LST scenarios. Winter and summer LST data are analyzed to capture the seasonal dynamics of LST-LULC interactions. Pune has undergone significant LULC transformations, with the proportion of built-up areas increasing from 7% in 2000 to 47% in 2022, while barren land has decreased from 41% to 37%. Built-up areas exhibit consistently lower LST values during winter, while barren land tends to have the highest LST. In contrast, during summer, built-up and barren areas experience higher LST values, while water bodies and vegetation display relatively lower LST values due to their cooling effects. Mean LST in Pune has increased from 34.59°C in 2000 to 39.38℃ in 2022, reflecting the changing thermal dynamics associated with LULC alterations. The expansion of built-up areas has contributed to temperature increases of up to 5.5℃ in specific locations, highlighting the urban heat island effect. The study's findings emphasize the need for sustainable land use planning and development strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization on LST. Policymakers, urban planners, and environmentalists can utilize these insights to develop informed land use policies, zoning regulations, and climate-smart urban development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]