Duke University Press to Launch Anthropocene History in October 2026

Durham, North Carolina—Duke University Press is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of Anthropocene History, the first scholarly journal dedicated to exploring the historical dimensions of the Anthropocene. Developed by editors Sverker Sörlin and Susanna Lidström of the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, in collaboration with the Editorial Office, this platinum open access journal will provide a unique forum for understanding the intertwined histories of humans and the Earth in an era of profound planetary change. Sponsored by KTH Royal Institute of Technology’s Centre of Excellence for Anthropocene History, the journal will be fully funded for its first decade—ensuring free access for readers and no publication fees for authors. The inaugural issue is set to debut in October 2026.

While other Anthropocene-focused journals, such as Anthropocene, Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene, The Anthropocene Review, and Anthropocene Science, primarily address the natural sciences, Anthropocene History will focus on human histories, cultures, and societies within the context of this epochal shift. It will publish peer-reviewed research articles, perspectives, and critical reviews that investigate how historical methods and narratives can illuminate our current human–Earth relationship. From revisiting events like the Industrial Revolution through an Anthropocene lens to examining the environmental consequences of colonialism and capitalism, the journal will foster interdisciplinary conversations that cross traditional boundaries between the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

The editorial team and advisory board will comprise an exceptional international group of historians, geographers, anthropologists, environmental humanists, and other scholars dedicated to advancing this emerging field. Contributors will be invited from across the globe, ensuring that Anthropocene History reflects diverse perspectives and contexts. Special attention will be given to developing a strong inaugural issue, featuring both invited essays from leading voices in the field and selected articles from an open call for submissions. With its accessible, open format and rigorous scholarly standards, the journal aims to reach a broad readership and inspire new research agendas. Authors may visit the Centre of Excellence for Anthropocene History’s website for the official call for papers this fall. 

The launch of Anthropocene History marks both an exciting expansion of Duke University Press’s humanities and social science offerings and a significant milestone in advancing Anthropocene scholarship within these fields. By creating a dedicated space for historical scholarship in this area, the Press hopes to advance critical conversations about the past, present, and future of our shared planetary condition.

For more information, please contact
Ryan Helsel
Publicist, Journals and Collections
Duke University Press
ryan.helsel@duke.edu