In this study we present an analysis of spatio–temporal variability of monthly averaged Vertical Tropospheric Columns (VTCs) of NO2 over Pakistan using OMI (ozone monitoring instrument) dataset from December 2004 to November 2008. The results have shown significant spatial and temporal variability of NO2 column values over the study region. Four NO2 hotspots and a high density corridor were identified within the study region. The main sources of NO2 emissions in these areas were also investigated. During the study period, an average value of NO2 was observed to be 1.102±0.081×1015 molecules/cm2, with an increasing trend of 3.29% per year. Twin cities of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Karachi have shown positive trends of 44.10%, 23.48%, 31.40%, and 32.32% per year respectively. Karachi has shown the highest and the lowest mean monthly average values of 11.33×1015 molecules/cm2 and 0.98×1015 molecules/cm2 respectively. Air mass trajectories for hotspot regions have been used to track possible long–range transport of NO2

There is a need to implement efficient strategies to mitigate the challenges of climate change and income inequalities in developing countries. Several studies have been conducted to address the relationship among different econometric and environmental indicators of renewable energy (RE) but overlooked the relationship between RE and income inequalities. This study investigates the influence of the distribution of income on the RE in Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa (BRICS) between 1988 and 2017. The econometric (economic growth and trade), environmental, and institutional parameters are also integrated into the model. The outcomes reveal that reduced inequality in income distribution increases the consumption of RE. In contrast, CO₂ emissions have a positive correlation with RE. The governments should implement environmentally friendly policies and increase the consumption of renewable energy in the future with regards to reducing environmental pollution. Furthermore, findings from the study indicate a positive effect on the reduction of corruption in renewable energy. This shows that institutional quality can affect the uptake of renewable energy. The study further identified that growth in a country’s economy decreases RE consumption, suggesting that these countries prefer fossil fuels to gain economic growth. The Granger causality results show that a bidirectional causality exists between income inequality and RE consumption. Bidirectional causality is observed between income distribution and CO₂ emissions. The results from this study are important for policymakers to achieve sustainable development because fair income distribution and environmental quality are considered as two key factors for sustainable development. Strong institutions and control on corruption can bring sound social and economic gains. Therefore, fair distribution of income and strong institutional policies can increase RE consumption to achieve a clean environment.