Climate change and water-related diseases: a bibliometric, knowledge map, topic modeling, and content analysis

This study employs a multi-method approach - bibliometric analysis, knowledge mapping, BERTopic modeling, and content analysis - to map the evolving research landscape on climate change and water-related diseases (WRDs) from 1995 to 2025. Our analysis reveals a marked increase in publications post-2007, peaking in 2024, yet this growth is characterized by significant geographic concentration. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom dominate scholarly output, while a centralized collaboration network sidelines many high-risk regions, creating a critical evidence gap. Thematic mapping shows an intensive focus on malaria and dengue, collectively constituting over two-fifths of the literature, though emerging interest in risk modeling and vector habitat suitability signals a methodological shift. Content analysis of the most-cited studies highlights the expanding geographic range and seasonality of WRDs, intensified by extreme floods and droughts, with disproportionate impacts on children, the elderly, and low-income communities. A persistent implementation gap remains between identifying climate-health risks and enacting effective adaptation. We conclude that bridging this gap necessitates urgent, strategic investment in climate-integrated early warning systems, resilient water and sanitation infrastructure, and targeted public health interventions to translate scientific knowledge into tangible protection for vulnerable populations.