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Research Article Volume 9 Issue 3
Organic carbon in the climate crisis: a decade of bibliometric insights into global trends, gaps, and sustainable pathways
Kemal Adem Abdela, Abdisa Abebe Gerbi, Endris Ali Mohammed, Bekalu Melis Alehegn, Deriba Mulata Megersa
Received: September 21, 2025 | Published: October 14, 2025
Citation: Abdela KA, Gerbi AA, Mohammed EA, et al. Organic carbon in the climate crisis: a decade of bibliometric insights into global trends, gaps, and sustainable pathways. Int J Hydro. 2025;9(3):126-138. DOI: 10.15406/ijh.2025.09.00412
Abstract
Organic carbon (OC) is a critical yet paradoxical component of Earth’s climate system, simultaneously driving and mitigating climate change. This study synthesizes insights from 516 articles published between 2012–2022 to evaluate global scientific efforts addressing OC’s role in climate change and global warming from Web of Science Core Collection. Using advanced bibliometric mapping, we analyze research trends, collaborations, and underrepresented domains. Soil organic carbon (SOC), the largest terrestrial carbon reservoir, regulates atmospheric CO₂ but is destabilized by deforestation, land-use change, and rising temperatures, exacerbating emissions when disturbed. Following the 2015 Paris Agreement, OC-related research surged by 42%, peaking in 2021 amid global carbon neutrality pledges. China (33.05%) and the United States (29.22%) led publication output, while European nations like Denmark demonstrated exceptional collaborative networks, underscoring the value of international partnerships. Emerging strategies such as biochar application and coastal ecosystem conservation show promise for carbon sequestration but face economic and policy implementation barriers. Critical gaps persist in understanding OC dynamics in vulnerable tropical regions and northern peatlands—key carbon sinks that remain understudied. Furthermore, limited inclusion of Global South perspectives and insufficient interdisciplinary collaboration impede equitable, context-specific solutions. This study emphasizes the urgency of fostering global cooperation to address spatial and disciplinary disparities, aligning research with policy frameworks to meet the 1.5°C climate target. Prioritizing the protection of carbon-rich ecosystems, advancing sustainable land management, and scaling naturebased solutions are vital. By bridging geographical and institutional divides, OC research can catalyze transformative, collaborative action to enhance climate resilience and achieve carbon neutrality, ensuring equitable progress toward global sustainability goals.
Keywords: Organic Carbon (OC), Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), climate change mitigation, bibliometric analysis, nature-based solutions, global south
©2025 Abdela, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.