Impact of Climate Change on Vegetation Cover and Fruit Trees in Nalut Municipality, Libya: A Comparative Study of the Periods 2002–2007 and 2013–2018

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze climate change in Nalut Municipality, western Libya, and evaluate its impact on vegetation cover and fruit trees through a comparison of two periods, 2002–2007 and 2013–2018. The study relied on the analysis of temperature and rainfall data using descriptive statistical methods. The results revealed a slight decrease in the mean annual temperature from 19.7°C to 19.5°C, representing a change rate of −1.02%, along with a decline in the annual maximum temperature from 24.3°C to 22.0°C. Rainfall amounts also showed a significant decrease, with the annual average declining from 11.97 mm to 9.90 mm, corresponding to a reduction of 17.29%, which negatively affected natural vegetation cover and fruit trees. Field observations confirmed the deterioration of some olive trees and a decline in vegetation density. The findings highlight the importance of adopting effective water resource management strategies and climate change adaptation measures to ensure the sustainability of ecological and agricultural systems.