Why Researchers Choose Global and Planetary Change for High-Impact Publications
Global and Planetary Change stands as a cornerstone in the field of environmental earth geosciences, offering researchers a premier platform to disseminate innovative studies on Earth's dynamic systems. Published by Elsevier since 1990, this journal bridges the gap between paleoclimatology, modern climate change, and planetary science, attracting contributions from global experts. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only high-quality, impactful research sees publication, making it a sought-after choice for academics aiming to influence policy and advance scientific understanding.
The journal's scope encompasses a wide array of topics, from glacial-interglacial cycles to anthropogenic influences on global environments. With an impact factor of 5.2 as per the latest Clarivate Journal Citation Reports, Global and Planetary Change demonstrates its relevance and citation potential. Researchers value its hybrid open access model, which balances traditional subscription access with optional open access for broader dissemination. This flexibility allows authors to reach interdisciplinary audiences, including geoscientists, climatologists, and environmental policymakers.
Publishing in Global and Planetary Change not only enhances an author's visibility but also contributes to critical discussions on sustainability and planetary health. The journal's commitment to interdisciplinary approaches fosters collaborations across earth sciences, encouraging submissions that integrate modeling, fieldwork, and data analysis. For early-career researchers, featuring work here can significantly boost career trajectories, opening doors to funding and collaborations.
As environmental challenges intensify, the journal's focus on long-term planetary changes provides timely insights. Whether exploring past climate reconstructions or future projections, Global and Planetary Change remains essential reading and publishing venue. To connect your research with opportunities in this field, explore environmental science faculty jobs or review academic timelines via our academic calendar.
Overview & History
Launched in 1990 by Elsevier, Global and Planetary Change was established to address the evolving needs of earth scientists studying global environmental shifts. Initially focused on paleoenvironmental reconstructions, it has expanded to include contemporary issues like rapid climate change and human impacts. Over three decades, the journal has published seminal papers that have shaped understandings of ice ages, sea-level rise, and biosphere responses. Its evolution reflects the growing urgency of planetary change research, with special issues dedicated to topics like the Anthropocene and extreme weather events. Today, it serves as a vital resource for integrating geological records with modern observations, maintaining a reputation for scholarly excellence.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Global and Planetary Change covers interdisciplinary research on past, present, and future changes in the Earth system. Key areas include climate variability, geomorphology, biogeochemical cycles, and planetary habitability. The journal welcomes studies using diverse methodologies, from proxy data analysis to climate modeling.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Environmental Earth Geosciences | Core focus on interactions between atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. |
| Climate Science | Investigations into historical and projected climate dynamics. |
| Paleoclimatology | Reconstruction of ancient environmental conditions using sediments and isotopes. |
| Planetary Science | Comparative studies of Earth-like processes on other planets. |
| Biogeosciences | Effects of environmental change on ecosystems and biodiversity. |
Key Journal Metrics
Global and Planetary Change boasts strong metrics that underscore its influence in environmental earth geosciences. These indicators help researchers evaluate its suitability for submissions.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 5.2 | Clarivate JCR 2023 |
| CiteScore | 10.5 | Scopus 2023 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25% | Publisher Data |
| h-Index | 112 | Scopus |
| Average Time to First Decision | 4 weeks | Elsevier Metrics |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is widely indexed, ensuring global discoverability. It appears in Scopus, Web of Science, and GeoRef, facilitating citations and altmetrics tracking. Abstracting services like ProQuest and EBSCOhost include its content, while DOAJ lists it for open access articles. This broad coverage enhances the visibility of published research, aiding in career advancement for authors.
Publication Model and Fees
Global and Planetary Change operates a hybrid model, offering subscription-based access with an open access option. Authors can choose traditional publishing at no cost or pay an Article Processing Charge (APC) of approximately 3,500 USD for immediate open access. Elsevier's green and gold OA policies support compliance with funder mandates. No page charges apply, making it accessible for a range of budgets. Discounts are available for corresponding authors from low-income countries.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through Elsevier's Editorial Manager system. Authors must prepare manuscripts following the journal's guidelines, including structured abstracts and keyword lists. Original research, reviews, and viewpoints are accepted. Ethical standards adhere to COPE guidelines, with plagiarism checks mandatory. The process involves initial screening, peer review by 2-3 experts, and revisions. For detailed instructions, visit the official journal homepage.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises distinguished geoscientists from leading institutions. Editor-in-Chief Dr. F. K. Wyrtki (University of Hawaii) oversees operations, supported by associate editors specializing in climatology and geochemistry. Notable members include experts from NASA and the IPCC, ensuring diverse perspectives. Their expertise guides the journal's high standards.
Why Publish in Global and Planetary Change?
Publishing here offers unparalleled exposure in environmental earth geosciences. With a strong impact factor and interdisciplinary appeal, articles gain traction among policymakers and scientists. The journal's focus on timely topics like global warming positions it as a leader. Authors benefit from Elsevier's marketing and archiving, plus opportunities for special issues. For career growth, consider pairing publications with geoscience PhD programs or faculty positions.
Comparison with Similar Journals
Global and Planetary Change compares favorably with peers in scope and metrics, emphasizing planetary-scale changes.
| Journal | Publisher | Impact Factor | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quaternary Science Reviews | Elsevier | 4.1 | Paleoenvironments |
| Climate of the Past | Copernicus | 4.7 | Climate reconstructions |
| Earth-Science Reviews | Elsevier | 13.1 | Broad earth sciences |
| Global Change Biology | Wiley | 11.6 | Biological responses |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with the journal's emphasis on integrative studies. Use clear, data-driven narratives and high-resolution figures. Engage reviewers by addressing interdisciplinary implications. Pre-submission inquiries to the editor can refine fit. Track progress via the portal and respond promptly to feedback. For broader career support, check Rate My Professor for mentorship insights or environmental policy jobs. Additional resources include climate modeling tools and earth science conferences.