Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences

The Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences is the official publication for the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS). Interdisciplinary environmental studies require an integration of many different scientific and professional disciplines. The AESS and the Journal provide fora for the advancement of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the coupled human-nature systems. A major goal of AESS is to encourage this advancement by promoting related teaching, research and service and by facilitating communication across boundaries that may inhibit environmental discourse across traditional academic disciplines—for example, between and among the physical, biological, social sciences, the humanities, and environmental professions. This commitment also involves supporting the professional development of Association members and advancing the educational status of Environmental Studies and Sciences programs.

The Journal provides a peer-reviewed, academically rigorous and professionally recognized venue for the publication of explicitly interdisciplinary environmental research, policy analysis and advocacy, educational discourse and other related matters. Contributions are welcome from any discipline or combination of disciplines, any vocation or professional affiliation, any national, ethnic or cultural background. Articles may relate to any historical and global setting. These contributions should explicitly involve multi-disciplinary or trans-disciplinary aspects of environmental issues; and identify the way(s) in which the work will contribute to environmental research, policy making, advocacy, education, or related activities. The Journal provides several submission categories:

• Research and Theory (3000-6000 words): an article reporting the results of rigorous study to create new knowledge about or enhanced understanding of environmental issues. Such articles might involve (1) findings of formal research projects; (2) meta-analyses of the results from multiple studies; or (3) systematic analyses of two or more case studies. Articles may also explore new theoretical and conceptual matters relevant to interdisciplinary environmental study.

• Research Brief (< 3000 words): a shorter, concise description of current research or related activities relevant to the environment.
  
• Environmental Education (3000-5000 words): a contribution relating to any education venue and concerning inter-disciplinary environmental education, practice, and theory at the level of community colleges, undergraduate and graduate or professional education.
  
• Policy Analysis (<3000 words): an article that utilizes several different disciplines, occupations, or knowledge bases to address environmentally related public policy issues.
  
• Commentary and Opinion (< 3000 words): a commentary succinctly discusses (1) the implications of research or theory for teaching, research or practice; (2) the interactions or intersections of areas of inquiry or practice; and/or (3) the social, cultural, historical, economic, ethical or legal context of a subject. Short statements of opinion are intended to provoke discussion and debate on a specific issue.
• Book Reviews and Review Articles (<6000 words): concise reviews of newly published books or more extended essays combining a review of several books with a discussion of issues raised by the collective publications.
• Special Issues and Symposia: a collection of related articles, or other materials relevant to environmental issues, edited by one or more authors who provide coherence by clarifying the importance and relationship among the materials. Proposals may involve whole Journal issues or portions of an issue.
  
• Letters (<1000 words): communications relating to significant issues for readers, which can concern previously published Journal material.

Submissions are encouraged from individuals at all levels of professional development The Editorial Board includes a diverse range of scholars, policy practitioners, and persons from related professions whose expertise extends broadly across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, the professions, and other disciplines related to environmental study. Reviewers exemplify, as well, a regional and global diversity appropriate to the breadth of interdisciplinary environmental studies. The Journal's publisher is long experienced in producing a great variety of publications, reaching individuals and institutions globally. Rapid electronic review of submissions is assured by the use of Editorial Manager software. We encourage contributors unsure about the appropriateness of their manuscript for the Journal to send a title and abstract to the Editor-in-Chief (tonyros@ufl.edu) for initial evaluation.