All submission to Sustainability & Beyond are categorised in thematic collections or „Categories“.
Categories serve as a dynamic organizational tool that allows the journal to group articles by theme, topic, or discipline, independent of the traditional issue-based structure. Therefore, additional to the chronological order achieved by organising submission by volumes, Categories provide a thematic layer that makes the journal’s content more discoverable and user-friendly. Think of Categories as a "thematic map" of Sustainability & Beyond.
When submitting a manuscript to Sustainability & Beyond authors are asked to select one or more categories that are consistent with the content of the manuscript.
The Categories to choose from are:
Climate and Energy Systems
Explores transitions in climate and energy systems, from mitigation and adaptation to resilience planning and energy justice. Closely aligned with ISDRS Track 4 (Climate Change and Energy), it also reflects systems thinking and modelling aspects of Track 1 (Sustainability Science).
Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Addresses conservation, restoration, and ecosystem services across terrestrial and marine contexts. Aligns directly with Track 3 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) and incorporates integrative science perspectives from Track 1.
Circular and Regenerative Economies
Focuses on material and industrial systems that enable sustainable production and consumption, including circularity and innovation. Corresponds to Track 5 (Production, Consumption and Innovation) while contributing to the transition frameworks central to Track 1.
Social Foundations and Equity
Engages with inclusion, gender, well being, justice, and social transformation as fundamental to sustainable development. Parallels Track 8 (Social Foundations of Sustainability) and intersects with Track 1 in understanding human–environment relationships.
Governance, Policy, and Institutions
Examines the formal and informal systems that enable sustainability governance, from law and regulation to institutional design and multi-level policy processes. Closely connected to Track 9 (Governance, Power and Institutions) and grounded in systemic perspectives from Track 1.
Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems
Highlights Indigenous and community-based knowledge, cultural landscapes, and decolonial approaches to sustainability. Tied primarily to Track 10 (Annual Special Theme), this category embeds the epistemological plurality central to Track 1.
Cities and Communities
Covers sustainability challenges and solutions in urban and regional systems, including infrastructure, housing, and mobility. Directly reflects Track 6 (Cities and Regions) and supports cross-scalar systems integration outlined in Track 1.
Finance, Business, and Innovation
Examines financial systems, corporate sustainability, and market transformation through ESG, green finance, and entrepreneurial innovation. Corresponds to Track 5 (Production, Consumption and Innovation) and Track 7 (Economics and Business for Sustainability) with links to socio-technical transition theory under Track 1.
Food, Water, and Resource Systems
Explores governance and management of essential resources — food, water, land, and ecosystems — across ecological and economic dimensions. Connects to both Track 3 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) and Track 5 (Production, Consumption and Innovation), underpinned by integrative approaches from Track 1.
Education, Knowledge, and Culture
Focuses on sustainability learning, pedagogy, communication, and cultural transformation that shape human values and practices. Aligned with Track 2 (Education for Sustainable Development) and anchored in the transformational learning principles of Track 1.