SCOPE and Elsevier Partner to Publish Environmental Development

AMSTERDAM, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- New Journal Provides Solutions to Regional Environmental Issues of Global Significance

Elsevier, the world leading publisher of scientific information products and services, and SCOPE, the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment, today formalized their collaboration to publish the new journal Environmental Development, to be launched in the final quarter of 2011. This publication, supported by UNESCO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), responds to the dynamic and impressive expansion of both environmental sciences and policies of the last four decades.

Under the leadership of Professor Theo Beckers (Tilburg Sustainability Center, the Netherlands), Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Development, the journal aims to serve as a transnational panel to identify and debate problems, and to suggest how to prevent or respond to them. Rapid and integrated assessments, including ecological, economic and social causes and effects, are important to go beyond the definition of singular problems and beyond scientific borders. An important subject will be the development of quantitative methods and models for scenario-building and forecasting.

Prof. Lu Yonglong, President of SCOPE, mentioned, "A new phase in environmental development is emerging, characterized by an interest in application and learning. This phase requires behavioral changes, new policy strategies and management tools in governments, businesses and society. Currently there is a need to develop a global knowledge base, rooted in fundamental research, with a high potential for application and the development of regional and context-based instruments for ecological preservation and environmental management and policy. The launch of this new journal underlines SCOPE's leadership position in the field of environmental science, management and policy, and strengthens its role in providing solutions to regional environmental issues of global significance."

Dr. Philippe Terheggen, senior vice president Physical Sciences journals, Elsevier, said, "Not only will Environmental Development bring together natural sciences and social sciences, it will also bridge the gap between academics, policy makers and decision makers. I am excited about teaming up with SCOPE, which, given their extensive experience and vast relevant networks, is well positioned to contribute to the success of Environmental Development, to enhance environmental innovation and development."

About Environmental Development - The International Journal of SCOPE

Environmental Development provides a future oriented, pro-active, authoritative source of information and learning for researchers, postgraduate students, policy makers and managers. It bridges the gap between fundamental research and the application in management and policy practices. It also stimulates the exchange and coupling of traditional scientific knowledge on the environment through the experiential knowledge among decision makers and other stakeholders. This journal unites natural sciences and social and behavioral sciences, and promotes scientific work from the non-western world, aiming at strengthening the collaboration between the developed and developing world.

The publication connects environmental research to broader issues in economic and social-cultural developments. Environmental Development creates a forum for transnational communication, discussion and global action. The journal has as its central mission "responding to the need for more and better research," which sustains progress and innovation in ecological and environmental issues. This need is fulfilled by focusing on emerging issues and solutions, the integration of different singular, disciplinary traditions, the inclusion of ecological, economic and socio-cultural values, application, innovation and best practices, goals, instruments and processes. The publication wishes to participate in global leadership and contribute to a well-informed debate on the future of our planet.

About SCOPE

SCOPE (Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment) (http://www.icsu-scope.org/) is a global and multidisciplinary network of experts in the field of the environment and ecology. SCOPE develops state-of-the-art scientific understanding of environmental issues to better meet policy and development needs based on a robust science-driven agenda relevant to policy development; responding to regional priorities to deliver insights of global significance; providing rapid assessments of key environmental issues; linking research outputs to the end users; and guiding research processes founded on partnerships.

SCOPE's current science portfolio is characterized by the formulation of balanced appraisals, stimulation of new approaches, identification of research needs, and recommendations for the sound management of the Earth resources. The SCOPE network of scientists also contributes their expertise to certain outreach activities, within international intergovernmental or non-governmental programmes, and closely collaborates with partner organizations.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet (http://www.thelancet.com/) and Cell (http://www.cell.com/), and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include SciVerse ScienceDirect (http://www.sciencedirect.com/), SciVerse Scopus (http://www.scopus.com/), Reaxys (https://www.reaxys.com/info/), MD Consult (http://www.mdconsult.com/) and Nursing Consult ( http://www.nursingconsult.com/), which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite (http://www.scival.com/) and MEDai's Pinpoint Review (http://www.medai.com/), which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier ( http://www.elsevier.com/) employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC (http://www.reedelsevier.com/), a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

    Media Contact

    Caroline ten Wolde
    Marketing Communications Manager
    +31(0)20-485-3346
    C.wolde@elsevier,com

SOURCE Elsevier