Assessing Impacts of Urban Expansion on Carbon Stock and Sequestration for Kokan Division, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Urban expansion significantly impacts carbon stocks and sequestration, contributing to global climate change. This study analyzes the spatial dynamics of urban expansion and its effects on carbon stock depletion and sequestration potential in the Konkan division of Maharashtra, India. The conversion of forests, agricultural lands, and wetlands into urban and built-up areas has resulted in substantial carbon stock depletion in the region. This research aims to estimate the ongoing and future impacts of urbanization on carbon stocks by projecting land-use and land-cover (LULC) scenarios, and identifying strategies for enhancing carbon sequestration. The LULC data for the years 2017 to 2023 were analyzed to assess carbon pools across various land-cover types, including aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, soil, and dead organic matter using spatial analysis tools such as QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System) Desktop 3.28.2, OSGeo4W (Open Source Geospatial for Windows) Shell, InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs) 3.14.2 Workbench. The results highlight a significant reduction in carbon stocks due to urban sprawl, especially in green and agricultural areas. Future projections emphasize the importance of sustainable urban planning, with a focus on preserving green spaces and implementing carbon sequestration measures to mitigate the environmental impacts of rapid urbanization in the region. This study provides essential insights for policymakers aiming to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability.