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This study examines the spatio-temporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Hunza Valley, Northern Pakistan, from 2000 to 2022, focusing on anthropogenic impacts and climate-induced environmental transformations. Using a time series of Landsat imagery and Random Forest classification, seven LULC categories were analyzed: built-up, bare land, grass land, cultivated land, water body, snow/ice, and forests. The results reveal substantial changes, including a marked expansion in built-up and cultivated land, alongside significant reductions in forest cover, grassl and, and snow/ice extent. Corresponding changes in LULC indices Normal Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normal Difference Built up Index (NDBI), Normal Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Normal Difference Snow Index (NDSI) reflect declining vegetation health, increasing impervious surfaces, and diminishing snow and water presence. Land Surface Temperature (LST) rose from 37.21°C in 2000 to 41.02°C in 2022, with regression analyses showing strong correlations between LST and both natural and human-induced land transformations. Zonal statistics confirm that all land cover types experienced notable warming. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated land management strategies, including regulating urban expansion through land-use planning, promoting reforestation, and conserving high-altitude snow zones. Integrating LULC monitoring into regional governance is essential for mitigating environmental degradation and enhancing the resilience of mountain ecosystems.
Noor et al. (Mon,) studied this question.