Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
JOURNAL METRICS·Updated June 2026
Nature Climate Change Impact Factor 2025 is 26.9 (Q1, Environmental Sciences, SCIE). Ranked #1 out of ~273 journals. Published by Springer Nature since 2011. Median first decision: 14 days. Acceptance rate ~8-12%. Full JCR data, desk rejection analysis, and submission guide.
Nature Climate Change publishes original research on the science of climate change, its impacts and wider implications for the economy, society and policy. This guide provides complete publication metrics, editorial standards, and practical advice to help authors prepare competitive manuscripts.
Key Takeaways
- Nature Climate Change 2025 Impact Factor is 26.9 (JCR 2026, Q1 in Environmental Sciences)
- The journal is published monthly by Springer Nature, launched in 2011
- It publishes original research, reviews, and commentary on climate change science and policy
- ISSN: 1758-678X (print) / 1758-6798 (online)
- Open access options available via Springer Nature’s agreements
- Indexed in SCI-E, Scopus, PubMed, and major climate science databases
OVERVIEWNature Climate Change Impact Factor 2025
The Nature Climate Change Impact Factor for 2025 is 26.9, based on the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) 2026 release. This places the journal in Q1 of the Environmental Sciences category and among the top-tier publications for climate and environmental research. Nature Climate Change maintains consistent performance across citation metrics including 5-year impact factor, Eigenfactor score, and article influence score.
JOURNAL PROFILEAbout Nature Climate Change
Nature Climate Change is a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Springer Nature. Established in 2011, it covers all aspects of research on global warming and climate change, including physical climate science, ecological and social impacts, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and climate policy. The journal publishes original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and commentary pieces that advance understanding of climate change and inform policy discussions.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Journal Title | Nature Climate Change |
| Publisher | Springer Nature |
| ISSN | 1758-678X (print) / 1758-6798 (online) |
| Language | English |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Format | Print and online |
| First Year | 2011 |
| Subject Area | Environmental Sciences, Climate Research |
| Accessibility | Subscription with open-access options |
METRICSNature Climate Change Impact Factor 2025 Overview
| Metric | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (JIF) | 26.9 | 2025 (JCR 2026) |
| JCR Quartile | Q1 | 2025 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 28.4 | 2025 |
| Immediacy Index | 5.2 | 2025 |
| Eigenfactor Score | 0.089 | 2025 |
| Article Influence Score | 8.45 | 2025 |
| CiteScore | 32.1 | 2025 |
| SJR (SCImago) | 7.890 | 2025 |
| SNIP | 4.52 | 2025 |
HISTORYNature Climate Change Impact Factor History (2015–2025)
| Year | Impact Factor | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 14.5 | — |
| 2016 | 17.2 | ▲ +18.6% |
| 2017 | 19.2 | ▲ +11.6% |
| 2018 | 21.7 | ▲ +13.0% |
| 2019 | 20.5 | ▼ -5.5% |
| 2020 | 21.7 | ▲ +5.9% |
| 2021 | 28.6 | ▲ +31.8% |
| 2022 | 30.7 | ▲ +7.3% |
| 2023 | 29.6 | ▼ -3.6% |
| 2024 | 27.8 | ▼ -6.1% |
| 2025 | 26.9 | ▼ -3.2% |
CITATIONNature Climate Change Citation Report 2025
The 2025 citation metrics for Nature Climate Change reflect its sustained influence in climate science. The journal’s Impact Factor of 26.9 derives from citations in 2024 to articles published in 2022–2023. Nature Climate Change articles are cited heavily in IPCC assessment reports, policy briefs, and follow-on research in atmospheric science, oceanography, and climate economics.
RANKINGNature Climate Change Ranking & Quartile
| Category | Rank | Quartile | Total Journals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Sciences (JCR) | 4/288 | Q1 | 288 |
| Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences | 2/103 | Q1 | 103 |
| Environmental Studies | 3/182 | Q1 | 182 |
EDITORIALNature Climate Change Editorial Policy
Nature Climate Change follows the editorial standards of the Nature family of journals. All submissions undergo initial editorial assessment for scope, originality, and significance before peer review. Articles must demonstrate substantial advance in climate science with broad relevance. The journal prioritizes interdisciplinary research connecting physical climate science with ecology, economics, or policy.
SCOPENature Climate Change Aim and Scope
Nature Climate Change publishes research spanning the full breadth of climate change science: atmospheric and oceanic processes, cryosphere dynamics, sea-level change, climate modeling and projections, ecological responses, human impacts, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and climate policy analysis. The journal welcomes contributions linking climate science with social, economic, and political dimensions.
SUBMISSIONNature Climate Change Submission Process
- Manuscripts are submitted via Springer Nature’s online submission system (Editorial Manager).
- The editorial team conducts an initial assessment within 3–5 business days for scope and significance.
- Manuscripts passing initial screening undergo peer review, typically involving 2–3 expert reviewers.
- First decisions are generally provided within 45–60 days of submission.
- Revised manuscripts are evaluated by the editor and, when needed, returned to the original reviewers.
- Accepted articles are published online ahead of print.
FEESNature Climate Change Publication Fee (APC)
| Article Type | APC (GBP) | APC (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Research (OA) | £9,500 | $11,900 |
| Review Article (OA) | £9,500 | $11,900 |
| Subscription Article | No APC | No APC |
REVIEWNature Climate Change Peer Review Process
Nature Climate Change uses a single-blind peer review model where reviewer identities are not disclosed to authors. The journal is committed to timely and constructive review. The median time from submission to first decision is approximately 50 days. Reviewers are selected for their expertise in the specific area of climate science addressed by the manuscript.
INDEXINGNature Climate Change Indexing & Abstracting
- Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E)
- Scopus
- PubMed/MEDLINE
- Google Scholar
- Environmental Sciences and Pollution Management
- Current Contents/Agriculture, Biology & Environmental Sciences
- Essential Science Indicators
SPEEDNature Climate Change Publication Speed
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial editorial screening | 3–5 days |
| Peer review (first round) | 30–45 days |
| Editor decision (first) | 45–60 days |
| Revision period | 30–60 days |
| Online publication after acceptance | 15–30 days |
ISSNNature Climate Change ISSN Details
| Format | ISSN |
|---|---|
| Print ISSN | 1758-678X |
| Online ISSN | 1758-6798 |
| Publisher | Springer Nature Ltd. |
| Country | United Kingdom |
EDITORNature Climate Change Editorial Board
Nature Climate Change is led by an international editorial team. The Chief Editor oversees editorial strategy and decision-making, supported by a team of senior editors with expertise spanning physical climate science, ecology, economics, and policy. The editorial board comprises distinguished researchers from leading institutions worldwide.
GUIDEHow to Publish in Nature Climate Change
- Assess fit: Read recent issues to confirm your work aligns with the journal’s scope.
- Prepare manuscript: Follow Springer Nature’s formatting guidelines; keep within length limits.
- Write a strong cover letter: Explain significance, novelty, and broad relevance to climate science.
- Include data availability statement: All original research must include statements on data and code availability.
- Submit online: Use the Editorial Manager submission portal.
- Respond to reviews: Address each reviewer point systematically in your revision.
ACCESSNature Climate Change Open Access Policy
Nature Climate Change offers authors two publication routes. Subscription articles require no APC and are accessible to subscribers. Open access articles require payment of the APC and are freely available to all readers immediately upon publication. Authors may also deposit accepted manuscripts in institutional repositories after an embargo period.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Impact Factor of Nature Climate Change?
Nature Climate Change has an Impact Factor of 26.9 for 2025 (JCR 2026 release), placing it in Q1 of Environmental Sciences.
Is Nature Climate Change a Q1 journal?
Yes, Nature Climate Change is ranked Q1 in Environmental Sciences, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences, and Environmental Studies categories.
Who publishes Nature Climate Change?
Nature Climate Change is published by Springer Nature, one of the world’s leading research publishers.
How long does peer review take at Nature Climate Change?
The median time from submission to first decision is approximately 45–60 days, depending on reviewer availability and revision requirements.
Does Nature Climate Charge charge an APC?
Open access articles incur an APC of £9,500 (approximately $11,900 USD). Subscription articles require no APC.
Is Nature Climate Change indexed in SCI-E?
Yes, Nature Climate Change is indexed in Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E), Scopus, PubMed, and other major databases.
What is the ISSN of Nature Climate Change?
The print ISSN is 1758-678X and the online ISSN is 1758-6798.
When was Nature Climate Change established?
Nature Climate Change was established in 2011 as a continuation of Nature Reports Climate Change (2007).