Assessing the Influence of Urban Development Projects on Air Quality Through Carbon Dioxide Monitoring in Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

Urban development projects are essential for economic growth and infrastructural development; however, they can significantly impact air quality. This study examines the influence of urban renewal on air quality in Kaduna Metropolis from 2002 to 2024, focusing on pre-renewal (before 2019) and post-renewal (2019–2024) air quality conditions. CO₂ concentration data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), a satellite-based atmospheric monitoring system, was utilized. The dataset, obtained in NetCDF format, was processed using Python libraries (xarray and netCDF4) for data extraction and cleaning. Statistical models were applied to assess long-term trends and seasonal variations in CO₂ emissions. Findings indicate a persistent accumulation of CO₂ in lower atmospheric layers likely due to urbanization, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities. Before urban renewal (2002–2018), CO₂ levels exhibited an increasing trend with seasonal fluctuations. During the urban renewal period (2019–2023), air quality showed moderate improvements due to emission reduction measures. However, post-renewal (2024) data reveal that while air quality has improved compared to earlier years, CO₂ levels remain high, emphasizing the need for sustained mitigation efforts. The study concludes that urban renewal projects exacerbated air pollution by increasing CO₂ emissions, it recommends integrating green urban planning strategies, such as afforestation, improved public transportation, and stringent industrial emission controls, to mitigate environmental impacts.