By understanding risk, we can see potential futures and pathways for the society and economy we want to create for future generations. As the global community makes decisions about which approach to take to the interconnected issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution, we must grapple with many of these concepts lest we cross thresholds from which we cannot return.

This edition of environmental SCIENTIST unites interdisciplinary voices to share understandings of risk, revealing how its consideration is also increasingly crucial beyond the scientific community.

The case for ecological restoration goes way beyond reasons of biodiversity recovery for the sake of biodiversity alone; it is also fundamental for our health, wellbeing and economy, and tackling climate change. Inspired and guest-edited by the Restoring Resilient Ecosystems project, this edition of environmental SCIENTIST brings together scientists, policy-makers and practitioners to discuss our approaches to ecological restoration and address the need for securing ecological complexity and connectivity to establish ecosystems and landscapes that are well-functioning and resilient under ongoing environmental change.

If you are an education provider, our learning resources provide information for informal, seminar-style discussions of the topics explored in each issue of the journal. Download the learning resource (docx) for this issue.

1972 represents a watershed moment in human history, with recognition that our activities were not only impacting ecosystems but also feeding back directly into human wellbeing and future prospects. This pivotal year saw several key events that brought the environment into the public and political consciousness for the first time, and was also the founding year of the IES. Half a century on from the events of 1972, this issue of environmental SCIENTIST looks back at 50 years of environmental science and explores how both the environmental sector and the IES have evolved in this time, as well as looking ahead to the next 50 years.

In the UK, transport became the largest sectoral emitter of greenhouse gases in 2016, growing to account for 27 per cent of national emissions by 2019. This edition of the journal examines the need for and some of the components of a sustainable and decarbonised transport future and how they may work together. Read about vehicle and fuel options, the opportunities presented by 15-minute cities, how we can enable sustainable consumer behaviour change, air quality and health co-benefits of sustainable transport, a case study of the Solent future transport zone, and more.

COP26 presented a potentially pivotal moment in the fight against climate change, bringing together global leaders to negotiate the new Glasgow Climate Pact. This edition of the journal considers climate change impacts and solutions across natural and human systems, and asks the question: has COP26 delivered? Articles examine the achievements and disappointments of the conference, the benefits of natural climate solutions, the powers and influence of local government, the critical role of the ocean in tackling climate change, and many more topics.