THE POTENTIAL OF SCIENTOMETRIC ANALYSIS FOR STUDYINGCLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES: A CASE STUDY OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Research on climate change is critically important due to its widespread impacts on ecosystems, economies, and social structures. Climate change, including rising temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and droughts, is already causing significant harm to people, biodiversity, and the environment, highlighting the need for research to develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation. Furthermore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of climate change processes
is essential for predicting future consequences and creating effective policies and technologies. These
efforts are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and preventing natural disasters. In addition, climate change research plays a vital role in global scientific and political discussions, influencing the formation of agreements and laws that support sustainable development and environmental protection. Scientific knowledge aids in informed decision-making at international, national, and
local levels, contributing to the creation of social support strategies, especially for vulnerable populations
such as impoverished regions and small island nations.
This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to examine the research landscape of climate change, highlighting
key research areas, identifying gaps in knowledge, and determining priority fields for further study. Bibliometrics also helps assess the interdisciplinary nature of climate change, spanning various disciplines from ecology to social sciences, and it provides insights into the contributions of scientific research to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This approach enhances the understanding of the geographical aspects of climate change research and supports the formation of scientific priorities while improving the impact of research on practical solutions. Data from the Scopus platform on publications related to climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable agricultural practices, and the circular economy were analyzed. A total of 1,689 documents were identified between 1991 and 2024, and descriptive statistics were performed. The study employs structural scientometrics, using bibliometric links, co-citation analysis, and mapping cognitive structures to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of climate change research. The findings show that scientific interest in climate change has significantly increased since 2010, marking a turning point in global awareness and research efforts.