John Curtin Distinguished Professor Peter Newman has been named founding Editor-in-Chief of the new BMC journal, Sustainable Earth.
The journal, launched by the open access publisher BMC, which is part of Springer Nature, will address the big issues in sustainability with a focus on bringing science, policy and people together.
Professor Newman, from Curtin University’s Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP) said he was delighted by the appointment, which will see him expand on his role as a global influencer in environmental sustainability.
“The whole point of Sustainable Earth is to bring attention to what is happening around us to a mass audience in a way that is accessible, readable and relevant,” Professor Newman said.
“The journal’s subtitle is ‘Science, Policy and Society’ and this is very important to what we stand for and how we will operate. It must contribute to science but unless it also relates to policy and to society then it is not for our journal,” Professor Newman said.
“Looking after our environment is fundamental to the survival of civilisation and we need everyone to have an understanding of our impact on it and how to best manage it, so our aim is to bring these issues front and centre on the science, policy and public agenda.”
There will be a range of special topics such as Planetary Boundaries (themes such as biodiversity loss and the management of waste), Climate Change, and Biophilic Urbanism (the importance of contact between the natural world and urban life).
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry was amongst the first to congratulate Professor Newman on his new role and said it is a well-deserved recognition of his, and Curtin’s work and reputation in the field of sustainability.
“This appointment is not only a significant one for Peter, but it will also go a long way in continuing to highlight Curtin and WA’s position as leaders in sustainability research and application.” Professor Terry said.
Amye Kenall, Global Head of Life Sciences at BMC said Sustainable Earth will be instrumental in shining a light on the research in progress in this fast-growing, critical field.
“We look forward to working with Professor Newman to bring the latest research to academics, policy makers and the public with the aim of making a real contribution to solving global challenges relating to sustainability,” Ms Kenall said.
Sustainable Earth is now online and currently accepting submissions.
