Elsevier Journal contributes to global sustainability policy

Elsevier today published a special issue of its journal Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. The issue publishes papers on the topics of several policy briefs that are on the agenda of the annual United Nations Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development: energy, food and water security, green economy, health and well-being. The publication of the special issue ties in with the Planet under Pressure Conference, starting today in London, where each of the policy briefs are presented and discussed.

A key feature of these policy briefs is the need for an interconnected approach to addressing global environmental and sustainability challenges. Papers published in the special issue of Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability provide a rigorous scientific basis for the policy briefs and are well-supported by references to the multidisciplinary scientific literature. The issue additionally includes a series of papers describing major developments and findings of various international global change programs, thus providing key knowledge and backing for topics discussed at the Planet under Pressure Conference.

At the Planet under Pressure Conference significant findings from various research programs will be presented to scientists, world leaders, policy makers, journalists and the general public, who are all also expected to participate in the key UN-event RIO+20, to be held from 20-22 June in Rio de Janeiro.

"Many of the research papers published in our special issue have provided key contributions to the research programs discussed at the Planet under Pressure Conference," said Professor Rik Leemans, Editor of Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. "All papers take a very interdisciplinary and forward thinking approach. They give a glimpse of future research results that are relevant for achieving global sustainability."

Philippe Terheggen, Senior Vice President Science & Technology Journals at Elsevier, adds, "A substantial part of Elsevier's publications consist of focused issues highlighting specific societal or scientific themes. The global environmental challenges we face are an example of such a societal issue, one which needs to be addressed in a coordinated effort. With the publication of the special issue of Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability we are pleased to be able to contribute to the sharing of knowledge on the topic. It is a great example of cross disciplinary science and constructive academic discussion, supporting decision makers in their choices for future generations."

Provided by Elsevier