Decarbonized and Sustainable Industry in Karachi: Novel Policy-Integrated Approaches for Urban Industrial Transformation

Urban industrial decarbonization in developing megacities like Karachi presents a critical yet underexplored frontier in global climate action. This paper proposes an integrated framework combining traffic management, low-carbon construction materials, and circular industrial practices to achieve deep decarbonization while fostering sustainable industrial growth. We introduce novel policy levers—such as dynamic speed zoning for freight and passenger vehicles, mandatory use of geopolymer concrete and recycled steel in public infrastructure, and AI-driven energy audits for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Using a mixed-methods approach, we model emissions reductions from optimized vehicle speeds (30–50 km/h) and quantify embodied carbon savings from alternative building materials. Our findings indicate that implementing these measures could reduce Karachi’s industrial and transport-related CO₂ emissions by up to 38% by 2040 compared to business-as-usual scenarios. The study further integrates machine learning techniques—inspired by predictive frameworks in health analytics (Al Khan, 2022)—to forecast emission hotspots and prioritize interventions. By aligning decarbonization with job creation, material innovation, and digital governance, this research offers a replicable model for Global South cities seeking just and scalable industrial sustainability. The proposed strategies bridge technical feasibility, policy enforceability, and socio-economic equity, positioning Karachi not as a laggard but as a laboratory for inclusive green industrialization.