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2so
UDK 625.7/8
THE APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) TECHNOLOGY AND CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES IN ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
KHURSHID ABDULLAEV
Associate professor., PhD., Tashkent state transport university
Abstract: The article discusses the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and cartographic methods to assess the impact of climate change on the environment. GIS technologies enable the efficient collection, processing and visualization of spatial data, which contributes to a better understanding of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and natural resources. Mapping methods help identify spatiotemporal changes, assess risks and develop adaptation measures. The article highlights the importance of using these technologies to make informed decisions in environmental protection and climate risk management.
Keywords: Geographic information systems (GIS), cartographic methods, climate change, environmental impact, spatial data, ecosystems, climate risks, adaptation.
Climate change is one of the most serious global challenges affecting ecosystems and human communities. With rising average temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, it is important to develop effective methods to monitor and assess the impact of these changes. Geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping techniques are powerful tools for analyzing spatial data and visualizing climate change, allowing us to better understand its impact on the environment.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Earth's global temperature has increased by 1.1°C compared to pre-industrial levels, causing various changes in ecosystems. According to the IPCC 2021 report, temperatures are expected to increase by 1.5°C by the end of the 21st century, leading to serious consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. In this context, the application of GIS technologies becomes important for climate change research and adaptation. GIS allows collecting data on climate conditions using satellite images and meteorological stations. For example, the Climate Change and Agriculture in Central Asia project, implemented with the help of GIS, analyzes temperature and precipitation data to assess their impact on agricultural production [1].
GIS technologies provide powerful tools for analyzing and visualizing spatial data needed to assess the impact of climate change. Key areas of application include:
1. Modeling and forecasting: GIS are used to create climate models and forecasts. For example, models based on temperature and precipitation data help predict possible changes in ecosystems and agricultural systems. The CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) model is one of the most widely used tools for modeling climate change.
2. Vulnerability mapping: GIS can create vulnerability maps that help identify areas susceptible to climate change. For example, in 2020, a climate change vulnerability index was created to assess the impact on water resources in different regions of the world (World Resources Institute) [2].
3. Change monitoring: Satellite technologies and remote sensing integrated into GIS allow you to track changes in land use, vegetation, and other ecosystem parameters. For example, NASA uses Landsat satellites to monitor land cover changes, which helps assess the impacts of climate change on forest cover and agricultural land.
4. Biodiversity data analysis: GIS helps analyze changes in the distribution of species and ecosystems in response to climate change. The GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) project provides access to data on the distribution of species and their change in space and time [3, 4].
GIS is used to create vulnerability maps of ecosystems. For example, a 2020 study found that forest ecosystems in Uzbekistan, especially in the Fergana Valley, are at significant risk from climate change. GIS was used to create maps showing the most vulnerable areas.
Cartographic techniques play an important role in the visualization and interpretation of climate and environmental data. Key aspects include:
Creating thematic maps: Thematic maps that show changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climate parameters allow data to be visualized and trends to be identified. For example, a map of annual mean temperature changes based on NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) data shows how different regions of the world are experiencing different levels of warming [5, 6].
Geostatistical analysis: GIS allows geostatistical techniques to be used to analyze the spatial structure of data. For example, Kriging can be used to interpolate climate variable data and identify patterns of change.
Interactive maps: Web applications and online platforms can be used to create interactive maps that allow users to explore the data. Examples of such platforms include Climate Explorer and ESRI ArcGIS Online, where users can interact with maps and analyze climate data. Examples of successful use of GIS technologies
1. Climate Change and Biodiversity Project: This project uses GIS to assess the impact of climate change on biodiversity in different regions of the world. The results allow to identify critical areas for conservation and adaptation. For example, a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change used GIS to predict the change in habitats of 16,000 animal and plant species [7, 8].
2. Monitoring forest resources: In Brazil, GIS technologies are used to monitor changes in forest ecosystems under the influence of climate change. The PRODES (Sistema de Monitoramento da Floresta Amazonica) project uses satellite data to assess deforestation in the Amazon, which allows to assess the impact of climate change on forest resources [9, 10].
3. Flood risk analysis: In Europe, GIS is used to analyze flood risks in the context of climate change. The creation of flood risk maps allows authorities to take measures to prevent and mitigate consequences. In 2020, the European Commission published a flood risk map covering more than 500 cities and regions in Europe [11, 12]. GIS technologies and mapping methods play an important role in assessing the impact of climate change on the environment. They allow integrating and analyzing spatial data, which contributes to a deeper understanding of climate change and its consequences. The use of GIS in research and practice is becoming increasingly relevant given the growing climate threats. Developing effective solutions based on GIS data can contribute to sustainable development and improved environmental safety. The successful use of GIS in various projects demonstrates their importance for developing adaptation and risk management strategies aimed at protecting the environment and sustainable development of Uzbekistan.
REFERENCES
1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis.
2. World Resources Institute. Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas.
3. Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Global Biodiversity Data.
4. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Climate Data Online.
5. Nature Climate Change - Journal Information.
6. Sistema de Monitoramento da Floresta Amazônica (PRODES).
7. European Commission. Flood Risk Management Plans.
8. Goodchild, M. F. (2009). "Geographic Information Systems and Science: Today and Tomorrow." Annals of the Association of American Geographers.
9. ESRI. GIS for Climate Change: Case Studies and Best Practices.
10. Batty, M. (2013). The New Science of Cities. MIT Press.
11. Chen, J., Di, L., & Yu, E. (2018). "Remote Sensing and GIS for Climate Change Studies." International Journal of Remote Sensing.
12. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). GIS and Remote Sensing for Climate Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction.
