Mapping the nexus between GHG emissions and firm performance through bibliometric analysis with research agenda and future directions

Abstract This paper offers a bibliometric analysis of the existing literature on the relationship between Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and firm performance. This analysis aims to uncover intellectual trends, map the evolution of knowledge, identify key thematic areas, and outline potential future research directions. The study selected 125 documents after screening, evaluating, and synthesizing the publications using the PRISMA framework. The data from 2009 to 2025 were collected from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar and analyzed using RStudio and VOSviewer. The framework presented raises awareness of GHG emissions in research and emphasizes their impact on firm performance. Three key trending keywords identified are “carbon emission”, “carbon”, and “emission control”. Most studies typically use three main theories: Stakeholder Theory, Legitimacy Theory, and Agency Theory. This review also highlights niche areas such as “green manufacturing” and “global warming”. Additionally, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is the most frequently used data source. The findings reveal potential areas for further research on green innovation, climate-risk management, and ESG performance. Future research can include additional databases and employ advanced empirical methodologies to provide deeper theoretical and practical insights. The article contributes to the literature by analyzing various aspects, including the evaluation of trends and emerging topics, the examination of theories, sources, and methodologies, and the limitations of previous studies on GHG emissions and firm performance.