CLIMATIC CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE MEGA HYDROPOWER PROJECT; A CASE STUDY OF ATTOCK DISTRICT, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The study aims to analyze the climatic impact on the vegetation around the mega hydropower project and the Sustainable Development in the Attock. Forests, known for resilience, face peril from human activities, particularly deforestation and reduced carbon sink capacities. Urbanization emerges as a significant contributor to forest cover loss, triggering carbon emissions and environmental challenges. Land surface temperature alterations and widespread forest decay intensify the environmental crisis, releasing stored carbon and contributing to global warming. The accelerated phase of climate change, linked to anthropogenic carbon emissions, necessitates urgent action to address forest cover loss and improper land usage, impacting socio-economic aspects and hindering Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) progress. A case study in Attock District, Pakistan, reveals climatic variations around the Mega Hydropower Project, impacting efficiency, energy generation, and local communities. NDVI and LST maps visually represent vegetative dynamics and thermal patterns, while demographic shifts, literacy rates, and infrastructure highlight evolving urbanization challenges. The study emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to climate adaptation and long-term planning to ensure sustainability and resilience.