Exploring environmental vulnerabilities of small islands through a bibliometric analysis: threats and adaptation strategies

Abstract The article delves into the environmental vulnerability of small islands through a bibliometric analysis, focusing on the threats they face and their adaptation strategies. The study utilizes data from academic journals published between 2014 and 2023 to discern research trends, key topics, and prominent authors in this field. The analysis revealed that small islands are primarily threatened by climate change, rising sea levels, and natural disasters. Furthermore, it highlighted an increasing emphasis on community-based adaptation strategies, mitigation policies, and green technologies as responses to these challenges. The study also identified research gaps in specific case studies and practical, on-the-ground solutions. Its conclusions underscore the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to address small islands’ environmental vulnerability and the necessity of robust policy support to underpin effective adaptation and mitigation efforts. This article contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and offering recommendations for future research directions.