Growing a greener generation: a bibliometric analysis of environmental education in universities

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the evolution, theoretical foundations, implementation strategies and impact of environmental education in universities through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted using bibliometric methods, following PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-S guidelines. Data were sourced from the Web of Science database, yielding 3,369 relevant studies, which were analyzed in VOSviewer to map research trends, themes and key contributors. Findings The results of this study reveal the interdisciplinary nature of green education, with dominant themes in sustainability, pro-environmental behavior and educational strategies. Universities worldwide increasingly embed sustainability into curricula, governance and campus life. Despite progress, limited funding, institutional resistance and regional disparities persist. Originality/value This study offers a novel synthesis of environmental education in higher education by integrating bibliometric mapping with theoretical analysis. This study identifies research gaps, highlights best practices and underscores universities’ evolving role as agents of ecological transformation aligned with global sustainability goals.