Urban Expansion & Climate Risk Zones: A Remote Sensing & GIS Based Analysis of Land Surface Temperature and Air Pollution in Dhaka and Rajshahi City Corporation

Urban expansion has a major impact on local climate conditions, particularly through rising land surface temperatures (LST) and the intensification of climate risk zones. With an emphasis on LST variation with abnormal urban growth, this study uses Geographic Information System (GIS) approaches to assess the spatial relationship between urban expansion and urban climate risk zones which offer meaningful characteristics in quantifying urban expansion with the affecting thermal pattern and urban climate risks. Using satellite-derived thermal imagery, land use data and air quality data, the temperature distribution and air quality level across various urbanized and non-urbanized regions in Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) and Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) has been illustrated as well as a comparison between these cities. Findings show that LST intensified by urban expansion increases the climate risk zones, environmental sensitivity and localized heat stress in DCC and RCC from 2016 to 2024. The study showcases the necessity of integrating GIS-based urban climate risk assessments into urban planning to alleviate the adverse impacts of rising temperatures and ensure sustainable development.