Community, commitment, collaboration: Moving toward a just future

We are pleased to announce plans for the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) 2021 Low-Carbon Virtual Conference. AESS is a member-led scholarly and professional organization in Environmental Studies and Sciences (ESS). We are a welcoming community with a grassroots feel, and also a global leader in innovative interdisciplinary environmental research, teaching, and curriculum development.  Our conferences feature a  diverse mix of talks and workshops by scholars, activists, practitioners, and advocates, and include exciting opportunities for early career ESS scholars and students. AESS also hosts the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences (Springer Publishers) and a book series, the AESS Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies and Sciences Series (Springer Nature). Our annual conference provides opportunities to network, contribute your work, and participate in inclusive and empowering discussions about the past, present, and future of ESS.

The AESS 2021 Low-Carbon Virtual Conference welcomes ESS-related panel and presentation proposals in the interdisciplinary sciences, social sciences, natural resource management, natural sciences, environmental humanities, sustainability, education, activism, and more.  To reflect our commitment to scholar and practitioner development and mentorship, we welcome presentations at all stages, from proposal to implementation to publication. This year AESS is soliciting proposals in six areas of emphasis to facilitate member connections and collaboration, live networking events and workshops. Toward this end, we will also host an associated Student Summit to bring students together to support their shared interests in ESS, discuss their work, and vision for the future. Each area of emphasis connects with broader commitments of AESS to social, environmental, and racial justice. Proposals beyond these areas are welcome. All relevant topics for presentations and panels will be considered.

The areas of emphasis for the AESS 2021 conference are:

• Environmental Studies and Sciences Interdisciplinary Integration
• Environmental Communication
• Green Recovery, Solving Climate Change and Making a Just Transition
• Equity in the Environmental Workforce: Diversifying Environmental Education and Workforce Opportunities
• Mentoring in Environmental Studies and Sciences
• Sustainable Food Systems and Environmental Justice