Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Vegetation Growth in the Aral Sea Basin: a case study in Uzbekistan*

The Aral Sea region is notable for the uneven spatial distribution of water resources in the basin, and the impact of climate change on surface vegetation cover is particularly significant. Changes in land cover characteristics have corresponding feedback effects on the climate and climate system of the Aral Sea region. As the Aral Sea region faces serious environmental and water resource problems, it is particularly necessary to study local climate change and its impact on the regional hydrological system. In this study, Uzbekistan was used as the main study area, and statistical and remote sensing techniques were used to distinguish between natural vegetation areas and artificially irrigated areas. By analysing the changes in Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) and climatic factors in irrigated areas of Uzbekistan over the last two decades, this study reveals the relationship between vegetation and climatic factors and provides insights into the response of ecosystems to climate change in the study area. The results of the study provide important data support for prediction and management of irrigated farmland for sustainable agricultural development.