Invitation Interrupted: My Latest Peer-Reviewed Paper

On 19 December 2019, I was invited by the guest editor to submit a paper for a special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Learning Sustainability. As is customary for thematic issues, I was asked to submit a short proposal for my intended paper. This added step in the process of peer review insures that all papers focus tightly on the intended topic. It also spares the trouble of writing a full paper that is not a “good fit” for the special issue. On 21 December 2019, I submitted the invited proposal.

On 30 December 2019, I received useful feedback from the editor. I submitted a revised proposal the same day.

Also on 30 December 2019, the editor sent my proposal to two colleagues for their feedback. I received information, based on their comments in January, 2020 and responded with a complete manuscript.

On 26 June 2020, I received copies of two reviews, both of which recommended minor revisions. Not surprisingly, both reviewers were confused about the existence and importance of the aerosol masking effect and self-reinforcing feedback loops.

Also on 26 June 2020, I was asked to submit a revised manuscript and also suggest at least three potential reviewers. I had suggested four potential reviewers as part of the initial review process. Frustrated with the delays in the process of review and also with the repeated requests to supply the names of reviewers, I withdrew the paper later that day and submitted it to a journal with which I had enjoyed recent professional interactions.

“The Myth of Sustainability” was accepted for publication by the peer-reviewed journal Earth Environmental Science Research & Reviews on 8 July 2020 based on glowing reviews from two anonymous peers. The full text of my paper in this open-access journal can be accessed here. The abstract is pasted below.

Humans are able to sustain neither industrial civilization nor our species, Homo sapiens. Whereas many pre-civilized groups practiced sustainability, contemporary industrial civilization is not sustainable. Indeed, global industrial civilization underlies abrupt, irreversible climate change and also the ongoing Mass Extinction Event. We continue to overheat Earth, which is already at the highest global-average temperature with our species present. The rapidity of environmental change is increasing and will continue to accelerate with either increased industrial activity or, paradoxically, diminished industrial activity. This paper offers a path forward for all of us, and especially those who wish to educate others, in light of these daunting facts. If our species is destined for extinction, as all species are, then how shall we proceed? If our species is destined for extinction in the near term, as seems apparent, then how shall we proceed? What is the role of educators in the face of an existential threat?

I have earned no money, nor will I earn money, for this article. Indeed, there were significant page charges attendant to having the paper published. I explained the process of peer review in this space more than two years ago.