Assessment of The Nexus of Land Cover change on CO2 Emissions

Abstract

Cities around the world account for more than two thirds of global energy use, leading to 70% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions (IRENA, 2016). In recent years, cities have grown, the industry sector has become heavier, and deforestation rates have grown which has greatly increased the consumption of the energy as well as the carbon emissions. The main objective of this study was to assess the nexus of land cover change and CO2-equivalent emissions for Jinja district. Prominent land cover features for the study area (Jinja) were identified and land cover changes determined using GIS and remote sensing tools. The land cover changes were determined from 2010 and 2020. These changes were then used as input parameters together with inventory data obtained from the National Forestry Authority. The Agriculture and Land use software was used to estimate the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions as for the land covers or land cover conversions. The results indicated significant effects land cover changes on the carbon budget as revealed in chapter 4 of this study. It was notice that forest land remaining intact availed the highest positive estimate of carbon stocks and grassland converted to settlements reported the highest decline in carbon stock. These changes were attributed to the amounts or rates of changes of the land cover. However, a few of the land cover conversions were computed for stock and emission estimates due to insufficient inventory data. It was however noticed and concluded that land cover changes are becoming major players in the national and global carbon cycle due to the significant values estimated from the changes that were examined. Although some land cover changes were examined, there are areas that need to be attended to for better results and better planning, as they are suggested in the recommendations.