Global NDVI-LST Correlation: Temporal and Spatial Patterns from 2000 to 2024

While numerous studies have investigated the NDVI-LST relationship at local or regional scales, existing global analyses are outdated and fail to incorporate recent environmental changes driven by climate change and human activity. This study aims to address this gap by conducting an extensive global analysis of NDVI-LST correlations from 2000 to 2024, utilizing multi-source satellite data to assess latitudinal and ecosystem-specific variability. The MODIS dataset, which provides global daily LST data at a 1 km resolution from 2000 to 2024, was used alongside MODIS-derived NDVI data, which offers global vegetation indices at a 1 km resolution and 16-day temporal intervals. A correlation analysis was performed by extracting NDVI and LST values for each raster cell. The analysis revealed significant negative correlations in regions such as the western United States, Brazil, southern Africa, and northern Australia, where increased temperatures suppress vegetation activity. A total of 38,281,647 pixels, or 20% of the global map, exhibited statistically significant correlations, with 80.4% showing negative correlations, indicating a reduction in vegetation activity as temperatures rise. The latitudinal distribution of significant correlations revealed two prominent peaks: one in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Southern Hemisphere and another in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. This study uncovers notable spatial and latitudinal patterns in the LST-NDVI relationship, with most regions exhibiting negative correlations, underscoring the cooling effects of vegetation. These findings emphasize the crucial role of vegetation in regulating surface temperatures, providing valuable insights into ecosystem health, and informing conservation strategies in response to climate change.