Investigating the impact of air pollutants on vegetation and land surface dynamics

Air pollution in Punjab, Pakistan, is an escalating environmental crisis driven by uncontrolled urban expansion and inadequate political and social will to manage pollutants. This situation severely threatens agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and human well-being, reflecting the consequences of unchecked development in a region h eavily dependent on its fertile agricultural land. The interplay between key air pollutants Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), and Formaldehyde (HCHO) and vegetation dynamics necessitates urgent investigation, as these pollutants can disrupt plant growth and agricultural yield, impacting the local economy and food security. This study utilizes satellite data from Sentinel-5P and MODIS, spanning 2019 to 2023, to analyze correlations between key air pollutants (NO2, SO2, HCHO) and vegetation indices (NDVI and EVI), alongside Land Surface Temperature (LST). Our analysis reveals a significant negative correlation between NO2 levels and both NDVI (r = -0.45, p < 0.001) and EVI (r = -0.40, p < 0.01), indicating detrimental effects on vegetation health. Conversely, SO2 positively correlates with LST (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), which may suggest a role in local warming, potentially influenced by factors such as reduced vegetation cover, traffic, and industrial activity. The relationship between HCHO and vegetation indices remains inconclusive, suggesting that further research is needed to understand these interactions fully. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive air quality management strategies in Punjab to address both environmental and climatic impacts. To address the challenges identified, it is crucial to implement targeted emission reduction strategies for industrial and vehicular sources and to promote sustainable practices. Future research should prioritize integrating sustainable development practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance environmental health and ensure long-term sustainability for the region. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.