Earth’s Healing Pulse: Tracking Ecosystem Recovery Through Data and Social Media Insights (2000–2024)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study empirically examines the dynamics of ecosystem recovery using environmental quality indicators and social media–driven public sentiment data over the period 2000–2024. Using the Biodiversity Recovery Index as a proxy for ecosystem restoration, the study applies descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares regression to evaluate the effects of forest cover, air quality, water quality, social media environmental mentions, public environmental sentiment, and conservation investment. The regression results reveal that forest cover, water quality, public environmental sentiment, and conservation investment exert significant positive effects on biodiversity recovery, confirming the central role of both biophysical restoration and social engagement in ecosystem regeneration. Social media environmental mentions also display a positive and statistically meaningful influence, indicating that digital awareness and online environmental discourse contribute to real-world conservation outcomes. Air quality shows a weaker but directionally consistent relationship with ecosystem recovery. These findings align with Nigerian and international evidence that digital platforms, ICT-driven monitoring, and data-driven public engagement significantly enhance environmental governance and sustainability outcomes (Eke, 2015; Eke, 2019a). Recent artificial intelligence and digital analytics research further supports the effectiveness of high-dimensional environmental data systems in predicting and improving ecological performance (Eke, Al-Shamayleh, Phiri, Maswadi, Kwaghtyo, Mulenga, & Iyidobi, 2025). Global environmental data studies equally confirm that social media and digital sensing technologies have become powerful tools for tracking ecosystem change and public environmental behavior (World Bank, 2021; IPBES, 2022). Overall, the results establish that ecosystem recovery is jointly driven by biophysical restoration, digital awareness, and sustained conservation investment, underscoring the strategic importance of integrating environmental data analytics with digital public engagement for long-run ecological sustainability.
Authors: Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke, Linda Nguavese Akpera; Hawakulu Abdullahi, Nurudeen Fauziyya Mohammed; Ughamadu Chinonso Christian, Ajumobi Folashade Victoria; Onoja Simeon; Adesanya Akhile Mercy, Richard Femi Timothy; Igbinomwanhia Osahon Steven; Ahmad Ajisafe
Institution: University of Abuja
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Climate action
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4417311577
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