Why Researchers Choose Global Sustainability for High-Impact Publications
Global Sustainability stands as a premier open-access journal dedicated to advancing research on sustainability challenges worldwide. Published by Cambridge University Press, it provides a platform for interdisciplinary studies addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. Launched in 2018, the journal has quickly gained recognition for its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to open science, making it a top choice for researchers aiming to disseminate influential work.
The journal's scope encompasses transformative solutions to global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. With a focus on actionable insights, Global Sustainability encourages submissions that bridge theory and practice, appealing to scholars in environmental science, policy, and beyond. Its impact factor of 3.921 (2022 Clarivate Journal Citation Reports) underscores its growing influence, while its CiteScore of 5.2 from Scopus highlights citation strength in sustainability studies.
Researchers value Global Sustainability for its rapid publication timeline and global reach, ensuring wide accessibility without paywalls. The journal's editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Julia Marton-Lefèvre, prioritizes innovative approaches that inform policy and practice. Whether exploring urban sustainability or renewable energy transitions, contributors find a supportive environment for high-quality outputs.
For those navigating academic careers, publishing in Global Sustainability enhances visibility and credibility. It aligns with funding priorities in sustainability, boosting grant applications and tenure dossiers. The journal's indexing in major databases like Web of Science and DOAJ amplifies discoverability.
To leverage these opportunities, consider aligning your research with the journal's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Explore sustainability faculty positions to connect your work with real-world applications. As you prepare submissions, review detailed guidelines to maximize success. Publishing here not only advances knowledge but also positions you at the forefront of sustainability discourse. Ready to submit? Visit the official site and start your journey toward impactful publication.
Overview & History
Global Sustainability was established in 2018 by Cambridge University Press to address the urgent need for integrated research on planetary sustainability. It emerged from a recognition that fragmented approaches to global challenges require unified scholarly efforts. The journal's founding vision emphasizes open access to foster equitable knowledge sharing, particularly in regions underrepresented in sustainability literature.
From its inception, Global Sustainability has published quarterly issues, featuring original research articles, reviews, and perspectives. Key milestones include its first impact factor assignment in 2020 and inclusion in the Web of Science Emerging Sources Citation Index. The journal's growth reflects the rising global focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with articles frequently cited in policy reports.
Today, it serves a diverse readership, including academics, policymakers, and practitioners. Its United Kingdom-based publisher ensures high production standards, while international authorship broadens perspectives. Global Sustainability continues to evolve, incorporating special issues on topics like circular economies and climate adaptation.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Global Sustainability covers a broad spectrum of topics at the intersection of human and environmental systems. It welcomes research that advances understanding of sustainability transitions across scales, from local communities to global governance.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Sustainability Science | Interdisciplinary approaches to environmental and social sustainability. |
| Environmental Policy | Policies for climate action, resource management, and equity. |
| Global Development | Sustainable pathways for economic growth and poverty alleviation. |
| Ecology and Biodiversity | Conservation strategies amid global change. |
| Urban Studies | Sustainable cities, planning, and infrastructure. |
Submissions must demonstrate relevance to real-world sustainability challenges, prioritizing empirical and theoretical contributions.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 3.921 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 5.2 | Scopus 2023 |
| h-Index | 18 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | 35% | Publisher data |
| Average Time to First Decision | 4 weeks | Journal site |
These metrics position Global Sustainability as a competitive venue in sustainability research, with steady improvements year-over-year.
Indexing and Abstracting
Global Sustainability is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring broad visibility. Key inclusions are Scopus, Web of Science (ESCI), DOAJ, and PubMed Central for relevant articles. This coverage facilitates citations and altmetrics tracking, vital for career progression.
Abstracting services like ProQuest and EBSCOhost further extend reach. Researchers can access full texts via the official journal homepage, with DOAJ listing confirming open-access compliance.
Publication Model and Fees
As a gold open-access journal, Global Sustainability makes all content freely available under a Creative Commons license. Authors retain copyright while granting publication rights to the publisher.
Article Processing Charges (APCs) apply at £2,460 for UK authors, $3,340 for US, or €2,860 for EU, covering peer review and dissemination. Waivers are available for low-income countries via Research4Life. No subscription fees exist, promoting global equity.
- Open access from acceptance
- CC-BY license standard
- Fee assistance programs
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted online via the ScholarOne platform at the journal's site. Initial checks ensure alignment with scope, followed by double-anonymous peer review.
Guidelines specify 8,000-word limit, structured abstracts, and data availability statements. Figures must be high-resolution, and references follow Harvard style. Ethical standards adhere to COPE guidelines.
Average review time is 8-10 weeks, with revisions encouraged. Track progress through the portal, and consult academic publishing tips for best practices.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises experts from leading institutions worldwide. Editor-in-Chief Julia Marton-Lefèvre brings experience from IUCN and Oxford. Associate Editors include specialists in climate policy from Stanford and sustainability economics from LSE.
Board diversity spans geography and disciplines, ensuring balanced oversight. Notable members: Prof. Johan Rockström (Potsdam Institute) on planetary boundaries, and Dr. Maria Ivanova (UMass Boston) on governance.
Why Publish in Global Sustainability?
Publishing in Global Sustainability offers exposure to a targeted audience of sustainability experts. Its open-access model maximizes downloads and citations, with articles averaging 1,500 views in the first year.
The journal's prestige aids in tenure-track advice and job applications. Interdisciplinary focus attracts collaborators, while special issues amplify thematic impact. For early-career researchers, it's a gateway to networks via conference tie-ins.
Overall, it combines rigor with relevance, ideal for advancing sustainability agendas.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | APC | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainability (MDPI) | 3.9 | CHF 2400 | Broad sustainability |
| Global Environmental Change | 8.9 | Hybrid | Human-environment interactions |
| Sustainability Science | 5.6 | $3,500 | Interdisciplinary solutions |
| Environmental Research Letters | 6.7 | Free OA | Environmental impacts |
Global Sustainability distinguishes itself through its emphasis on actionable global insights, competitive metrics, and Cambridge's reputation.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align abstract with SDGs for relevance.
- Include diverse co-authors for broader appeal.
- Use clear visuals to convey complex data.
- Address reviewer feedback thoroughly.
- Leverage grant writing resources to fund APCs.
Check Rate My Professor for mentor insights, and plan around the academic calendar. Success in Global Sustainability submission elevates your profile in sustainability fields.