- English
Climate change and shifts in land use/land cover (LULC) are critical factors affecting the environmental, societal, and health landscapes, notably
influencing the spread of infectious diseases. This study delves into the intricate relationships between climate change, LULC alterations, and the
prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India, between 1985 and 2015. The research utilised Landsat-4,
Landsat-5, and Landsat-8 data to generate LULC maps, applying the maximum likelihood algorithm to highlight significant transitions over the years. This
study revealed that built-up areas have increased by 67%, primarily at the expense of agricultural land, which was reduced by 51%. Temperature and rainfall
data were obtained from APHRODITE Water Resources, and with a statistical analysis of the time series data revealed an annual average temperature
increase of 1.8 °C and a minor but statistically significant rainfall increase during the study period. Disease data was obtained from multiple national health
programmes, revealing an increasing trend in dengue and diarrhoeal diseases over the study period. In particular, dengue cases surged, correlating strongly
with the increase in built-up areas and temperature. This research is instrumental for policy decisions in public health, urban planning, and climate change
mitigation. Amidst limited research on the interconnections among infectious diseases, climate change, and LULC changes in India, our study serves as a
significant precursor for future management strategies in Coimbatore and analogous regions.
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