Climate-Resilient Landscaping in Peshawar: Integrating Heat and Cold Tolerance with Social and Therapeutic Benefits

Abstract

Urban areas across the world are increasingly exposed to climate variability, particularly rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and seasonal temperature extremes. These changes pose serious challenges for the sustainability of urban landscapes, especially in rapidly expanding cities where green spaces are declining. Peshawar, located in northwestern Pakistan, experiences a subtropical climate characterized by extremely hot summers with temperatures exceeding 40 °C and relatively cold winters approaching freezing conditions. Such climatic extremes require the selection of landscape plants capable of tolerating both heat and cold stress while maintaining ecological, aesthetic, and functional value. At the same time, urban green spaces are increasingly recognized for their social and therapeutic roles, contributing to psychological well-being, stress reduction, and community interaction. The present study aimed to identify and evaluate climate-resilient plant species suitable for urban landscaping in Peshawar while simultaneously assessing their social and therapeutic benefits. Plant species were selected using criteria including heat tolerance, cold tolerance, drought resistance, adaptability to urban soils, ornamental value, and potential contribution to psychological and social well-being. Information was synthesized from scientific literature, horticultural references, field observations of urban landscapes, and expert consultation with horticulture and landscape professionals. An integrated evaluation framework combining climate adaptability, landscape functionality, and therapeutic attributes was used to assess plant suitability. The analysis identified several species, including Bougainvillea spp., Lagerstroemia indica, Azadirachta indica, Ficus religiosa, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Rosa spp., Lantana camara, and Moringa oleifera, as highly suitable for climate-resilient urban landscapes in Peshawar. These plants demonstrated strong tolerance to temperature extremes and drought conditions while offering multiple environmental and social benefits such as shade provision, ornamental beauty, air purification, cultural significance, and psychological relaxation. The study highlights the importance of integrating climate resilience with human-centered landscape design in urban planning. The adoption of climate-adapted ornamental and functional plants can enhance environmental sustainability while promoting healthier and more socially engaging urban environments. The findings provide practical guidance for urban planners, municipal authorities, and landscape architects in designing resilient and therapeutic green spaces in cities experiencing climatic stress.