Mapping Imbalances: A Bibliometric Analysis of Stakeholder Engagement in Climate Action Decision-Making (2014-2024)

This bibliometric analysis explores stakeholder engagement in climate action decision-making from 2014 to 2024, addressing gaps in understanding its complex, cross-sectoral role. Utilizing a rigorous PRISMA framework, 842 journal articles were systematically reviewed and analyzed with Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. The study aimed to map the intellectual landscape, identify major contributors, with attention to geographic (Global North/South) and inferred racial disparities, prevalent research areas, and distinct engagement typologies. Findings reveal rapid growth in scholarly interest, especially from 2020-2024, underscoring the imperative for inclusive climate solutions. Key themes highlight a human-centric policy focus, acknowledging human actions' influence on climate trajectories, and the critical role of interdisciplinary stakeholder engagement. Engagement typologies fact-finding, collaborative learning, and informed dissemination are crucial for building relationships and effective communication. A significant challenge is the Global North's research dominance and a marginalization of Global South contributions. This imbalance creates context-specific information gaps, risks imposing "Northern" perspectives, and impedes climate justice and equitable global decision-making. The study also notes knowledge and theory-practice gaps hindering effective climate action implementation. To bridge the climate action gap, this paper advocates for equitable, inclusive engagement and innovative solutions. Future research should prioritize amplifying Global South voices for balanced understanding, deepen analysis of institutional logics influencing stakeholder prioritization, and develop robust engagement frameworks addressing implementation gaps and best practice consensus.