The article discusses land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the upper watershed of the Qingshui River basin in China’s Chongli district from 1990 to 2020, driven by both anthropogenic activities and natural factors. The rapid urbanization and economic development have led to significant losses in forest areas and increases in urban, agricultural, and grassland uses.
LULC research is essential for understanding human-environment interactions and has gained global attention. The study utilized remote sensing data to examine changes every ten years, finding that while woodland areas significantly decreased, urban and agricultural lands expanded. The research identified key driving factors of LULC change, such as population growth, economic development, and government policies, particularly after the area’s development for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Data classification was performed using a maximum likelihood algorithm, achieving high accuracy rates over years. Results indicated decreasing trends in woodland and water bodies but increases in constructed and agricultural lands. This loss of natural landscapes poses threats to ecological balance. The study concludes that careful land planning and sustainable practices are crucial to mitigate negative ecological impacts due to LULC changes. Insights from this research may inform sustainable development strategies and environmental governance for local authorities.
