Retraction Policy

Climate Sustainability & Global Systems (CSGS) is committed to maintaining the integrity, transparency, and reliability of the scholarly record.

1. Grounds for Retraction

An article may be retracted if there is clear evidence of:

• Data fabrication or falsification
• Plagiarism or redundant publication
• Lack of required ethical approval
• Major invalidating methodological errors
• Peer review or citation manipulation
• Undisclosed significant conflicts of interest

* Retraction is not issued for minor errors that can be handled via Correction.

2. Investigation Procedure

When concerns arise, CSGS follows a transparent protocol aligned with COPE investigation flowcharts:

Assessment: Initial evaluation by the Editor-in-Chief.
Clarification: Corresponding author is contacted for documentation and explanation.
Consultation: Review by Editorial Board members and, if necessary, institutional notification.
All investigations are conducted impartially and confidentially.

3. Retraction Decision

Final authority rests with the Editor-in-Chief. Decisions are reached when misconduct is confirmed or findings cannot be verified.

4. Retraction Notice

  • Formal Notice published with clear reasons.
  • Original PDF digitally watermarked as "RETRACTED".
  • Notice linked permanently to the original article.

5. Corrections and Expressions of Concern

Correction (Erratum/Corrigendum) For honest errors that do not invalidate the scientific conclusions.
Expression of Concern Issued when an investigation into serious allegations is ongoing but unresolved.
6. Author-Initiated Retraction

Authors may request retraction if significant errors or ethical concerns are discovered post-publication. Evaluation follows standard protocols.

7. Appeals

Authors may appeal decisions in writing with supporting evidence. Appeals are reviewed independently by the Editorial Board.

8. Transparency and Record Integrity

CSGS does not remove retracted articles from the journal website unless legally required. Retraction notices are freely accessible and permanently part of the scholarly record to maintain transparency.