CARBON BALANCE ATTRIBUTION AND STORAGE IN KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY, THAILAND

Abstract

Effective terrestrial ecosystem management is essential for enhancing carbon sequestration and achieving carbon neutrality. University towns, characterized by dynamic land use and high per capita emissions, pose challenges to ecosystem stability. This study investigates land use and land cover changes (LULCC) at Khon Kaen University, Thailand—a large university city emitting over 88,000 tons of CO₂ equivalents annually—with emissions projected to reach 105,000 tons by 2040 without intervention. Utilizing Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 2019 to 2023, we applied remote sensing classification and carbon sequestration models to assess land use dynamics and forecast ecosystem carbon stock over 22 years. Five land categories were classified: forest, agriculture, built-up areas, waterbodies, and bare land. Results indicate a slight increase in forest and agricultural areas (4.51% and 0.41%, respectively), contrasted by a 26.98% rise in built-up land. Current green spaces offset only 0.45% of the university’s total emissions. However, approximately 32% of underutilized land presents an opportunity for rehabilitation, potentially increasing sequestration by 1,575.91 tons CO_₂ equivalents annually. The findings support strategic land use planning, emphasizing forest conservation and ecosystem restoration as viable approaches to enhance carbon sinks. When combined with emission reduction initiatives across operational scopes, Khon Kaen University has the potential to meet its carbon neutrality target within the projected timeline.