Bibliometric Analysis of Carbon Emissions Documents: Illustration of the Coupling and Co-Occurrence Networks (2015-2024)

In recent years, addressing climate change by significantly reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions has become a crucial focus for policymakers, researchers, and environmental advocates. The escalating issue of climate change, particularly carbon emissions, has garnered substantial attention within the research community. The advent of the data era has provided a robust platform for conducting and disseminating research. However, there has been a notable tendency to focus on specific topics within the broad spectrum of climate change, leaving some critical areas overlooked. To formulate effective policies and strategies, it is essential to monitor and analyze research activities related to carbon emissions accurately. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape by analyzing publications in this field, thereby contributing to a more informed approach to future research and policy planning.
The current study utilized a content analysis methodology combined with a bibliometric approach. This approach enabled a detailed examination of the research trends and patterns in the field of carbon emissions. The study involved a thorough review of all documents related to carbon emissions indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database, known as Web of Science Core Collection (WOS), covering the period from 2015 to 2024. To ensure the comprehensiveness of the search, documents were identified by searching for the term "Carbon Emissions" in the research title and author's keywords. The analysis of these documents included several key aspects: document type, publication year, WOS subject classification, top publications, co-authorship patterns and subject classification using bibliographic coupling networks and vocabulary co-occurrence networks.
The comprehensive survey on carbon emissions research reveals a substantial surge in the number of related publications over the past decade, with 2023 marking the highest number of publications in this field to date. This surge underscores the escalating global attention to environmental issues and the critical need for solutions to mitigate climate change. Geographically, China has emerged as the frontrunner in the volume of publications, highlighting the nation's substantial investment in environmental research and its active role in combating climate change. This dominance reflects China's strategic focus on sustainability and its efforts to lead global initiatives in environmental science. Notably, Qiang Wang, a researcher from China, has distinguished himself as the most prolific author in this domain. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, identified as the top contributing institution, further emphasizes the centrality of China's academic and research institutions in advancing carbon emissions research. The Web of Science classification indicates that the primary category for these documents is "green and sustainable science and technology; engineering, environment, environmental sciences." This classification underscores the interdisciplinary nature of carbon emissions research, which encompasses various scientific and engineering disciplines to address the complexities of climate change. The "Journal of Cleaner Production" has been recognized as the most prolific publisher, pivotal in disseminating research findings and advancing knowledge in the field. The content analysis of the documents revealed 16 general themes related to carbon emissions, with "urbanization and carbon emission" emerging as the most extensively explored topic. This trend reflects the growing interest in understanding the intricate relationship between urban development and environmental impact, as urbanization is a significant driver of carbon emissions. Additionally, the frequent use of terms such as "carbon emission and greenhouse gases" in these articles highlights their centrality to the discourse on climate change, emphasizing the critical need for research that addresses these key issues. The results of this research underscore the significant attention that the field of carbon emissions has garnered from researchers worldwide in recent years. There has been an increased focus on critical issues such as sustainability, the environmental impacts of carbon emissions, and innovative methods to reduce carbon emissions across various industrial sectors. This growing body of research reflects the global urgency to address climate change and mitigate its adverse effects, as evidenced by the increasing number of publications and collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders.
The heightened research activity indicates a widespread recognition of the critical need to develop innovative solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also align with sustainable development goals. One of the key findings of this analysis is the noticeable decline in publications on certain topics, such as optimization and regenerative energy systems. This decline highlights a significant gap in the research landscape, pointing to the need for more focused studies on optimal energy and fuel consumption, as well as the development of renewable energy technologies. These areas are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable development, as they can lead to more efficient energy use and a transition away from fossil fuels.
Another important area identified in this research is the calculation and analysis of the life cycle in the context of carbon emissions. The diverse methodologies employed for these calculations necessitate advancements to ensure the provision of accurate and reliable data. Such data is critical for developing effective policies and strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Accurate life cycle assessments enable policymakers and industry leaders to make informed decisions that can significantly impact carbon reduction efforts. By understanding the full environmental impact of products and processes, stakeholders can implement changes that lead to substantial reductions in carbon emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
In conclusion, this study provides a detailed overview of the research landscape on carbon emissions, highlighting key trends, influential researchers, and significant institutions that are shaping the field. The findings emphasize the need for continued and diversified research efforts to address the multifaceted challenges of carbon emissions and climate change. By identifying gaps and emerging trends, this study contributes to a more informed and strategic approach to future research and policy planning in the field of carbon emissions. Addressing these research gaps will not only enhance our understanding of carbon emissions but also support the development of effective solutions to combat climate change. The ongoing efforts in this field are crucial for ensuring a sustainable future and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on our planet, ultimately fostering a healthier environment for generations to come.