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Paper abstract:

Central Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in the world and its temperature is rising faster than the global average. Climate change already poses a variety of environmental, social and economic risks to the region. This paper assesses the extent to which the academic community engaged with climate change in Central Asia between 1991 and 2021. The systematic review method is used. This was popularised for the medical sciences by Cochrane but has later spread to other fields of research, including the social sciences. The article includes sections on data and methodology, the physical impacts of climate change in Central Asia, social science aspects of climate change in the region, the grey literature and academic events on climate-related issues in Central Asia. It finds that climate change has been neglected in the field of Central Asia area studies. Out of a total 13 488 journal articles in eight key journals for Central Asia research, only 33 articles (0.24%) were on climate change or a related topic. Climate change has been similarly neglected at the events of 17 Central Asia area studies associations. Out of 1 305 conference panels, none were focused on climate change. Out of 10 249 individual presentations, only two (0.02%) were focused on climate change. The very same scholars who have been most active in the securitisation of Central Asia have ignored the severe security threats that climate change poses to the region. Addressing these knowledge gaps is of high importance. It can help inform local populations, raise climate change awareness, facilitate the development of adaptation policies and promote evidence-based decision-making across Central Asia. The paper concludes with six recommendations for further research on climate change in Central Asia. The study contributes to the field of Central Asian studies by drawing attention to limited research on climate change in Central Asia where severe knowledge gaps hinder local communities from taking action and adapting to climate change impacts.