Work

Assessing climate dynamics and ecosystem service value: a spatiotemporal analysis in the Eastern Himalayan Region of India

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ecosystems provide essential services that support human well-being and livelihoods. However, changes in land use/land cover (LULC) and climate have led to their decline. This study examines the spatiotemporal variation of ecosystem service values (ESVs) in relation to LULC dynamics and climatic conditions in the Eastern Himalayan Region (EHR) of India. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) based LULC data and gridded climatic data from 2001 to 2020 were used, along with trend analyses such as the Mann–Kendall (MK) test and innovative trend analysis (ITA). Regression analysis was applied to assess relationships between climatic variables and ESV. Results indicate that total ESV decreased from US$120.40 billion in 2001 to $117.74 billion in 2020, mainly due to declines in vegetation, wetlands, and water bodies, despite increases in grassland, cropland, and built-up areas. Rainfall and temperature showed increasing trends, with spatial variations across the region. ESV exhibited a negative correlation with rainfall in 25% of grids, while a positive correlation with temperature was observed in 90% of grids, likely reflecting short-term ecological responses. The study highlights the need for balanced strategies integrating development and ecological conservation.

Source: Critical Insights in Climate Change

DOI: 10.1080/29931495.2026.2685424

Authors: Durlov Lahon, Jatan Debnath, Dhrubajyoti Sahariah, Nityaranjan Nath, Pranab Dutta

Institutions: Pub Kamrup College, Gauhati University

Language: English

Topic: Land Use and Ecosystem Services

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life on land

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University Grants Commission