Exploring Research Trends on Climate Change: Insights into Port Resilience and Sustainability

Taha Talip Türkistanlı, Nergis Özispa, Gökçe Tuğdemir Kök, Ünal Özdemir () and Davut Pehlivan
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Taha Talip Türkistanlı: Department of Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering, Mersin University, 33110 Mersin, Türkiye
Nergis Özispa: Department of Maritime Business Administration, Mersin University, 33110 Mersin, Türkiye
Gökçe Tuğdemir Kök: Department of Maritime Business Administration, Mersin University, 33110 Mersin, Türkiye
Ünal Özdemir: Department of Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering, Mersin University, 33110 Mersin, Türkiye
Davut Pehlivan: Department of Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering, Mersin University, 33110 Mersin, Türkiye

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: Ports play a critical role in global trade, yet they are both contributors to and recipients of climate change. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to examine the relationship between climate change and port operations, identifying key themes, methodological approaches, and research gaps within the literature, including the need for standardized vulnerability assessments, policy-driven adaptation strategies, and a more integrated, cross-regional approach to port resilience. A bibliometric analysis was performed using peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in the Web of Science. The study employed keyword-based searches, document screening, and bibliometric techniques such as publication trends, keyword co-occurrence analysis, citation impact evaluation, and research clustering. Studies were classified based on research focus, methods, data sources, and geographic scope. The analysis reveals three major research phases: theoretical contributions, empirical expansion, and an intensified focus on adaptation and resilience. Key trends include sea-level rise, port vulnerability, climate adaptation strategies, and emission reduction. Quantitative methods dominate, though qualitative studies contribute to governance and policy discussions. Research on port resilience is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, integrating engineering, environmental science, policy, and maritime economics. The study identifies the United States, China, Europe, and the Mediterranean as the most focused regions in port-climate research. Understanding climate risks and adaptation strategies is essential for policymakers and stakeholders. The findings highlight the current push for resilience planning, emission mitigation, and policy interventions, with efforts by governmental and international organizations well documented in climate research. This study provides insights into emerging trends and research gaps, enhancing discussions on sustainable port management and climate resilience.

Keywords: climate change; ports; bibliometric analysis; sustainability; port resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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