The construction industry in South Asia, heavily reliant on coal-fired brick kilns, significantly contributes to environmental pollution, impacting public health and agricultural productivity. In Pakistan, brick kilns consume over 50% of the nation’s coal, often using low-quality coal and waste materials that emit harmful pollutants such as CO, SO₂, particulate matter (PM), and hydrogen fluoride (HF). This study explores sustainable brick production by incorporating agricultural by-products, specifically the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus L., as an additive to clay. The integration of 15–20% Parthenium biomass by weight resulted in bricks with enhanced porosity (up to 64% at 50% biomass addition) and reduced density, lowering energy consumption during firing by approximately 15–20% while maintaining compressive strength within acceptable limits (15–20 MPa). Additionally, this approach reduced HF emissions by over 50% during the firing process, mitigating adverse effects on nearby vegetation. Conversations with 50 brick kiln owners in Peshawar revealed enthusiasm for adopting this method, contingent on cost reductions (potentially 10–15% lower production costs) and government-supported pilot projects. This research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for sustainable cities (SDG 11), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13), promoting a circular green economy. Policy interventions, including subsidies, training workshops, and awareness campaigns, are recommended to facilitate adoption, benefiting local communities and the environment. Future studies should investigate the scalability and adaptability of this approach across diverse regions and manufacturing sectors.

The study was conducted on ambient ozone (O3), the most phyto-toxic air pollutant, and its effects on the growth and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and peas (Pisum sativaum) grown in Northern Pakistan during the summer and winter of 2018. Okra was subjected to ambient O3 levels ranging from 43 to 63 ppb during the summer, with a mean O3 concentration of 55 ppb, while peas experienced lower winter concentrations of 15–25 ppb, with a mean O3 concentration of 19 ppb. The results indicated significant impacts on the growth and nutritional quality of crops, especially okra. Anti-ozonant ethylene diurea (EDU) was used for soil drenching to protect okra and green peas from O3 damage. Okra showed notable enhancements of 20%, 20%, 29%, and 13% in ash, protein, fiber, and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFE), respectively. Increase in plant height, leaf numbers, pod length, and dry weight was observed in EDU-treated okra plants. Conversely, peas exhibited less variation, although melioration was observed in plant height, pod numbers, length, and weight with EDU treatment. It was concluded that the concentration of ambient O3 in Peshawar is toxic enough to cause significant damage to crop growth and production. The stark difference in O3 impact during different seasons suggests that higher summer concentrations could severely compromise crop quality. This elicits significant concerns regarding food security in South Asia, especially for summer crops that can jeopardize future food security. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the effects of O3 on other regional crops to assess fully its implications for agricultural sustainability in the area.

The study assessed the impact of climate change, aphid infestation and drought stress on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the performance of English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) under abiotic stress in controlled environmental conditions. To understand wheat and aphid interactions under different climatic condition, wheat plants were grown in controlled climatic chambers simulating present (400 ppm CO₂, 19.8 °C, RH 69.2%) and future (700 ppm CO₂, 23.4 °C, RH 67.5%) scenarios, combined with biotic stress (aphid) and abiotic stress (drought). Climate change effects combined with other stress factors are expected to alter crop physiology and insect biology. The results showed that aphid performance was significantly enhanced under future climatic conditions, with higher fecundity (56%), and a shortened or faster developmental time. As for wheat structural growth, above-ground biomass improved by up to 80% under future climate. However, its physiological efficiency, water content and photosynthetic efficiency were significantly reduced under the combined biotic and abiotic stresses. The study demonstrates that climate change may increase wheat plant growth under controlled conditions, yet it simultaneously boosts the shift in pest attacks and intensifies stress impacts, which eventually threaten wheat productivity. The findings emphasize the improvement of wheat varieties and pest-resistant strains capable of withstanding future climatic conditions.