"Socioeconomic futures frameworks for motivating actions for sustainability"

Call for Papers – Virtual Special Issue (VSI): "Socioeconomic futures frameworks for motivating actions for sustainability"

Journal: Futures
Publisher: Elsevier
Submission deadline: 18 September 2026

Overview

This VSI critically examines the evolution of socioeconomic scenario frameworks (e.g., Shared Socioeconomic Pathways - SSPs) for climate research, now outdated by Paris Agreement progress, net-zero commitments, and emerging nature-based solutions. It seeks proposals to update/integrate frameworks like SSPs, Nature Futures Framework, and SDGs to better motivate sustainable actions across climate, biodiversity, and development communities.

Key Research Themes

• Evolving SSPs for post-Paris Agreement realities and net-zero transitions.

• Integrating climate scenarios with biodiversity (Nature Futures Framework) and development (SDGs).

• Regional vs. global scenarios amid geopolitical fragmentation.

• Human development-centered futures with environmental co-benefits.

• Nature-based carbon removal and biodiversity trade-offs.

• Creative/spiritual anticipatory practices in scenario development.

Submission Details

• Submission deadline: 18 September 2026

• Portal: https://submit.elsevier.com/FUTURES

• Special Instructions: Select "VSI: Socioeconomic futures" article type. Welcomes full articles and short communications. Preprints encouraged on SSRN.

• Part of: Multi-year Scenario Evolution Process (SSPs). Follow Guide for Authors.

Guest Editor Team

• Dr. Vanessa Schweizer, University of Waterloo, Canada (Lead)

• Prof. Kristie Ebi, University of Washington, USA

• Dr. Bas van Ruijven, IIASA, Austria

• Prof. Paula Harrison, UKCEH, UK

• Dr. Kasper Kok, Wageningen University, Netherlands

Why This Issue Matters

Existing frameworks predate transformative global commitments. This VSI shapes next-generation scenarios for 2035 IPCC assessments, bridging siloed climate/biodiversity/development communities with policy-relevant futures research.

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