Exploring land cover change interactions with environmental and socioeconomic factors in a tropical region due to rapid agricultural increase#
Team “Beipiaosaurus moonwalk”
Sofia Corradi Oliveira, Andrés Fernando Figueroa Curo, Magnolia Song, Manojna Polisetty, Daniela Velásquez, Maryann Alessandra Alata Chambilla
Mentor: Oz Kira
Reviewer: Jorge M. Uuh Sonda
Mato Grosso, a vital part of the Amazonian Rainforest, has experienced a considerable human impact, primarily driven by agricultural expansion. The region, which once covered almost 50% with forests, has now dwindled to approximately 35%, largely due to deforestation linked to economic growth. Our study, utilizing MODIS satellite data and economic variables, revealed concerning trends, including a 7% reduction in forested areas and a simultaneous increase in croplands and grasslands between 2001 and 2021. Correlation analyses exposed negative associations between forested areas and both environmental (Net Primary Productivity - NPP, Land Surface Temperature - LST, albedo) and socioeconomic (Gross Domestic Product - GDP, population) variables, emphasizing a direct link between economic development and deforestation. Notably, the strong correlation between ‘soy-planted area’ and GDP/population highlights the significant role of agricultural expansion, often tied to deforestation, in regional economic growth. Additionally, the connection between the rise in LST and significant correlations between NPP and economic variables underscores the intricate relationship between land cover changes, environmental factors, and socio-economic development in Mato Grosso. This study can be useful for decision-makers, fostering awareness and guiding the creation of a mindful approach to reduce expansive agriculture, ultimately contributing to conservation efforts in the Amazonia region.
For the full micropublication: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11002004
For the presentation on Exploring land cover change interactions with environmental and socioeconomic factors in a tropical region due to rapid agricultural increase:
