The current and future research trends of carbon emission in nonferrous metal industry

In recent years, climate change has become increasingly critical, and the metal industry, as a major consumer of energy and emitter of greenhouse gases, is a significant contributor to industrial carbon emissions, necessitating further research. This study uses CiteSpace for bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping to examine global research trends in metal industry carbon emissions from 2000 to 2022. Findings indicate a second wave of explosive growth in domestic carbon emissions research, which will accelerate the green transition of high−emission sectors and create new opportunities for the green low−carbon market. CNKI data show a focus on carbon emissions from single metals like iron, aluminum, and copper, with a shift from basic topics such as "energy consumption" and "environmental benefits" to "carbon reduction" and "low−carbon transition". Web of Science data reveal comprehensive research on carbon sources, low−carbon technologies, and carbon sequestration, suggesting a new revolution in green technologies for metal development. This study further elaborates on future trends in carbon emission research in the metal industry, including carbon sources, green low−carbon technologies, carbon sequestration technologies, and ecological carbon sinks. Summarizing the current state and future directions of carbon emission research will help promote the green low−carbon transition and long−term sustainable development of China's metal industry.