Monitoring effects of LULC change dynamics on the environment using time series remote sensing data with Google Earth Engine

Globally, increased urbanization and industrialization have changed land use and land cover (LULC). Currently, 54.5% of the world’s population resides in cities, which may increase to over 66% by 2050. This study examines changes in the land surface temperature (LST), land use land cover (LULC), and air pollutants such as CO, NO2, and SO2 in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, from 2018 to 2024. Time-series remote sensing data on environmental factors were obtained using Sentinel-5P TROPOMI through GEE. Landsat-8 data was utilized for LULC and LST mapping of the study area in the GIS domain. The results show significant changes in the LULC and LST, with a large drop in vegetation cover and an increase in built-up areas. In 2018, the built-up area was 12571.65 ha, which increased by 80.7% to 22718.16 ha in 2024, while vegetation cover decreased by 46.98% from 2018 to 2024. The LST of the study area ranges from 5.2 °C to 43.3 °C from 2018 to 2024. The study highlights a correlation between the expansion of built-up areas and increased CO, NO₂, and SO₂ levels. Additionally, the observed temperature range, particularly the maximum LST of 43.3 °C, poses serious risks to human health, including increased cases of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and other adverse effects due to prolonged exposure to extreme heat. These findings underscore the urgent need to implement stringent environmental regulations and sustainable land management policies to mitigate urbanization’s adverse impacts on human health and the environment. This study emphasizes the importance of developing long-term sustainable urban planning and environmental conservation strategies in rapidly urbanizing regions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.