Each issue contains the following sections:

Research: Original scientific articles of environmental and sustainability research are published in the Research section. Additionally, Research contains review articles that place environmental problems and development in a broader context. These contributions are double-blind peer reviewed and checked with respect to their comprehensability by a third person with a scientific background different from the author(s) of the manuscript.

Forum: In the Forum section, original papers are published including essays, pointed expressions of opinion and reactions to articles that have appeared in recent GAIA  issues. As such, the Forum aims to challenge current understandings by providing a "forum" to articulate substantiated opinions and controversial issues, to identify new problems, and to establish actual contexts. Contributions to the Forum section are double-blind peer reviewed.

Magazine: The Magazine section offers information on events in environmental and sustainability research, environmental policy and research promotion.

Books is dedicated to the presentation, discussion and review of new publications.

Short notes: Scientific institutions associated to GAIA use the Short notes to present their research as well as to link their activities to other institutions.