Sustainable Development in Climate Change: A Systematic Literatur Review

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The acceleration of the climate crisis demands both conceptual and implementation-level integration between Sustainable Development (SD) and Climate Action (CA), yet Southeast Asian literature still exhibits fragmentation that hinders policy effectiveness. This study aims to present a systematic synthesis that assesses how SD and CA are researched, articulated, and operationalized in the region, while also tracing theoretical consistency, empirical contradictions, and unmapped research gaps. Academically, this review is crucial for addressing sectoral biases in SDG studies; practically, it reinforces the need for more coherent cross-sector climate policies.

Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 22 core articles (2018–2025) rigorously selected from Scopus, the analysis employs systems thinking, SDG interlinkages, socio-technical transitions, and multi-level governance as synthesizing lenses. The findings indicate that although the literature is theoretically consistent regarding SD–CA interconnections, real-world implementation remains constrained by knowledge–behavior gaps, energy policy lock-ins, weak integration of local wisdom, and socio-technical barriers in the adoption of low-carbon technologies. Eight research gaps are identified, highlighting the need for integrative cross-disciplinary models and more robust causal methodologies.

This study contributes by providing a synthesis framework that enriches theoretical discourse while offering strategic direction for policymakers to accelerate climate transformation in Southeast Asia.