Greenhouse gas emissions and aerosol distribution in brick kiln zones of Punjab, Pakistan: an appraisal using spatial information technology

Abstract

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and climate-altering air pollutants are damaging the ecosystem of Earth. Hence, reducing gaseous emissions and air pollutants would help mitigate global warming and improve the low-carbon economy. Therefore, in this study, remote sensing datasets from the Goddard Earth Observing System, Atmospheric Infrared Sounder and Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 are carried out to examine the seasonal trends of Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Ozone (O3) and Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from 2016 to 2021 over brick kiln zones in Punjab, Pakistan. In this research, 2016 has been taken as the base year to compare the trends of GHGs and AOD in Punjab. Results of the study revealed that the highest concentration of AOD was exhibited in the winter seasons over Purple, Red and Orange Zones of brick kilns. Moreover, the highest extent of CO2, CH4 and AOD was observed in 2017. At the same time, O3 magnitude was evaluated as high during summer seasons which may be attributed to high temperature that leads to elevated formation of O3. Therefore, there is a dire need to undertake Nature Based Solutions (NBS) in the policymaking for the environmental development of Pakistan.