Carbon Leadership and <scp>ESG</scp> Integration: A Bibliometric Review and Conceptual Framework for Carbon Sequestration Performance

ABSTRACT The present study develops a conceptual map that identifies and delineates the knowledge base underpinning the field of carbon leadership, especially focusing on analyzing the impact of transformational leadership on carbon sequestration performance as well as the potential mediating role of ESG integration in this relationship. Based on a combined approach of bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review, the paper examines the vast literature on the topic using different methods like keyword co‐occurrence, bibliographic coupling, citations network analysis, and VOSviewer visualization. Also, the TCM synthesis method was used to summarize the existing research on the topic. In line with this methodology, the study reveals an extensive and continuously growing literature in the intersection of ESG, sustainability governance, and climate change strategies. However, despite the significant amount of research carried out in the area, the majority of studies concentrate their efforts on ESG disclosures and the financial performance of firms but not on climate‐related variables such as carbon sequestration. Moreover, little attention is paid to studying leadership and other governance processes within the framework of research on ESG and carbon sequestration. This gap motivates the development of a research model that suggests transformational leadership as the main driver of ESG integration, thus fostering carbon sequestration performance. Integrating stakeholder theory, institutional theory, and resource‐based view, this study contributes to the literature with a new approach that highlights the importance of leadership in sustainability transitions.