As a concept, sustainability is widely discussed today, yet we still struggle with the implementation of sustainable economic and social structures. This book is intended as an overview of relevant discourses – but also, and above all, as a proposal for new ideas to defend and further develop the concept of sustainable development. It addresses humanity's position within the global (eco)system and understands sustainability in an interdisciplinary manner. The analysis of problems is as central as the approaches to solutions and the conditions for sustainable development.

The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) comprehensively addresses the topic of sustainability in teaching, research, transfer, and operations, considering its full complexity. It was the first German university to implement a distinct profile of sustainable development through a broad participatory process involving university staff and students, and it is regarded as one of the leading universities in Germany.

This textbook has emerged from an interdisciplinary introductory lecture on sustainable development at HNEE. Based on this foundation, the editors have conceived the book and collaborated with other colleagues to develop it further.