How Can Climate Change Impact Human Health via Food Security? A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Global climate change, induced by anthropogenic causes, has severe consequences for Earth and its inhabitants. With the consequences already visible around the globe, one of them is the impact on food security. The lack of food security has serious impacts on health, especially in vulnerable populations who highly depend on a nutritious diet for a healthy life. The following research aims to assess the current research status of climate change, food security and health. In this context, the interlinkage of the three key concepts is analyzed, as well as the related health consequences. To achieve the aims of this research, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, (version 1.6.16) including 453 papers. The data were retrieved from the Scopus database on 10 November 2022. Bibliometric analysis can illustrate emerging and key topic areas using keywords and co-occurrence analysis; hence, it is an adequate method to meet the listed research aims. Five different clusters have been derived from the analysis, each representing a different perspective on interlinkage. From the different clusters, the main consequences of climate change on food security could be derived, such as a decrease in crop yields, less availability of fish and livestock, or food contamination through mycotoxins. These can cause serious health implications, predominantly increasing the rate of malnutrition globally. The work showed the importance of action to prevent the consequences of climate change in relation to food security and health nexus. To do so, adaptation strategies are needed that consider the interdisciplinary scope of the problem, building sustainable measures that benefit each concept.