Humankind has become a dominant factor within the Earth System. Indeed, some researchers have coined the term Anthropocene (‘The Age of Man’). However, we are rapidly approaching our planet’s limits, with trends such as advancing climate change and the destruction of biological diversity jeopardising our natural life support systems. Nonetheless, there are also some positive developments, such as the shift in values towards greater environmental awareness which can be observed worldwide, as well as democratisation and a decrease in poverty. A major transformation towards a sustainable society is both necessary and feasible.