Social-ecological transformation

The massive use of fossil fuels is heating up our planet and leading to a loss of biodiversity. The consequences of climate change are so serious that we must take urgent action if we want the Earth to remain habitable for humans in the future.

The socio-ecological transformation is proving to be a huge political, social, economic, and scientific challenge. It is still unclear how we can implement global sustainability goals while maintaining prosperity in the Global North and building it in the Global South. The extent to which people are affected by both the consequences of climate change and the effects of political measures depends heavily on their economic and social status and where they live.

Some sections of society are calling for the fastest and most comprehensive transformation possible in order to slow down climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other population groups feel that the multitude of demands is going too far and that the transition to a sustainable economic system is happening too quickly. In politics, the relevant measures are the subject of lengthy discussions and repeated renegotiations, which means that the socio-ecological transformation is progressing only slowly.