A synthesis approach to investigate and validate carbon sources and sinks of a mega city of developing country

摘要

This study is a preliminary approach in estimating sectoral carbon dioxide (CO_2) sources using actual energy use data from a mega city of developing country. The main objective of this paper is to estimate CO_2 sources and sinks of the mega city and validate them through land cover/land use (LCLU) change analysis. For this purpose, a set of integration of multiple tools/models is utilized. Through this study, it was made possible to establish baseline information of energy use and CO_2 emissions of the city. It is found through the analyses that use of multiple techniques/approaches produce a better picture of few but similar dimensions. It is also witnessed that CO_2 sources have increased almost eight times of the city from 1971 to 2011. On the other hand, CO_2 sinks are depleting day by day showing a share of almost 0% among the total sources and sinks classes estimated through CO_2 sequestration method. In this way, it was also possible to get net CO_2 emissions of the city. The forecast analysis portrays the same trends as well. Built-up area validated the CO_2 sources increment in the city while sparse trees and grasses validated the CO_2 sources related changes occurred from the past to present. Thus, it is suggested to the local policymakers of the city to ponder the unattended increment of the built-up areas in the city and put attention in increasing the green spaces such as trees, grasses, and plantation in the city.