Hi Celia (now I know your name ^^ )
I will definitely join the chat (I just cannot tell when for the next two weeks) and share my ideas.
I think that the issue with the publications will change. And a Steem-funded platform could be a way (connected
to an arxiv-like database).
Since you have signed off yours in the reply, i see a need to sign off with mine. :-)
Yes, i checked out arxiv. a pity that that they do not have environmental-related articles.
I do not know how the arxiv works internally, but maybe could you contact their administrative team and ask them?