What if a publishing house could change the world? That’s the ambition driving oekom verlag. This Munich-based publisher focuses on ecology and sustainability. It aims to embed sustainability in society. Let’s explore the story behind this unique publishing house.
Oekom verlag’s story began in 1989. Jacob Radloff founded a “communications office for ecology and communication” called oekom. Initially, it focused on producing and distributing the journal politische ökologie. In 1993, the office became oekom verlag. It transformed into a publisher for ecologically oriented publications. Over the years, six specialist journals joined the oekom verlag family. These journals were either acquired and redesigned. Or they were developed within the publishing house.
The journals include Ökologisches Wirtschaften, GAIA and Der Umweltbeauftragte. Oekom verlag expanded its reach. It started a specialist book program in 2005. This program publishes around 30 to 40 scientific titles each year. In 2008, a popular non-fiction book program was launched. It releases about 15 titles annually.
Oekom verlag also embraced translations. In 2010, it published “Dreck” by David R. Montgomery. This marked the first time the publisher released translations. Other licensed titles followed including “Wohlstand ohne Wachstum” by Tim Jackson. Also “2052. Der neue Bericht an den Club of Rome” by Jørgen Randers.
Oekom verlag opened the crowdfunding platform Oekom Crowd in 2017. This platform allows people to financially support potential book projects. If a project reaches its funding goal, oekom verlag publishes the book. Supporters often receive the book before its official release.
Oekom verlag publishes many journals. These include politische ökologie and GAIA. Others are Ökologie & Landbau and Ökologisches Wirtschaften. Der Umweltbeauftragte has been published as UmweltbeauftragteR since October 2022.
Many authors have published with Oekom verlag. These include Ugo Bardi, Michael Braungart and Weert Canzler. Other notable authors are William McDonough and Rupert Ebner. The publishing house also supports young scientists. Oekom science supports Open Access. It promotes the widest possible dissemination of scientific publications. Oekom verlag has been publishing excellent science on ecology and sustainability for over 35 years.
Oekom’s commitment extends beyond publications. The publisher aims for societal transformation. Quality and personal contact are top priorities. They understand the topics they publish. Their expertise covers everything. From design to editing, production, dissemination, open access and peer review.
As you stand here, consider oekom verlag’s impact. It’s more than just a publishing house. It is a catalyst for change. It promotes sustainability. It inspires a greener future.