CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION PROSPECTS IN UZBEKISTAN – PATHWAYS TOWARD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Climate change poses a major challenge to global sustainability, with carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions remaining the largest contributor to anthropogenic warming. This study examines Uzbekistan’s carbon footprint reduction prospects by integrating a bibliometric survey of academic literature with an analysis of national emissions trends. The bibliometric analysis, based on Scopus data (2020–2025), reveals growing research attention to renewable energy and sustainability but limited emphasis on project management approaches crucial for effective implementation. Emissions data show Uzbekistan’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, leading to high carbon intensity despite its relatively small share of global emissions. The results also highlights that Uzbekistan ought to undergo the need for energy diversification and efficiency improvements. The findings underscore the importance of embedding project management practices into carbon reduction policies and projects, ensuring that strategies translate into measurable outcomes and supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy.