Global knowledge structure of eco-anxiety and climate action: a multidimensional bibliometric analysis

Hoyos-Alayo W.M. · Aibi, Revista de Investigacion Administracion e Ingenierias (2025) · DOI: 10.15649/2346030x.5606

Resumen

— Climate change has intensified the emergence of eco-anxiety, an emotional response characterized by distress, fear, and hopelessness in the face of the environmental crisis. This study aimed to map the evolution and characteristics of global scientific production on eco-anxiety and climate action. To this end, a bibliometric analysis was applied to 1,570 publications indexed in Scopus and WoS (2018– 2025), processed with Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer, evaluating trends, authors, journals, institutions, countries, and thematic clusters. The results show an annual growth rate of 116.85%, with an average of 4.13 co-authors per article and 25.99% international collaboration. Notably, P. Pihkala (29 publications) and S. Clayton (22) stand out as leading authors; the Journal of Environmental Psychology and Sustainability as the main journals; and University College London (115 articles) as the most productive institution. Furthermore, four thematic clusters were identified: clinical-emotional dimension, climate action/activism, youth leadership, and climate justice/public policy. Gaps remain in sustainability, climate education, and intersectional analyses. It is concluded that the field exhibits high interdisciplinarity and rapid consolidation but requires diversification of geographical contexts and approaches to turn eco-anxiety into an effective, inclusive, and socially relevant driver of climate action.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú