The long-term safeguarding of natural resources, economic stability, and social contractuality form the three dimensions that the guiding principle of sustainability seeks to reconcile. Sustainable development requires a change in direction if we are to succeed in living not off the natural capital itself, but from its interest in the future. The idea of leaving a livable environment for future generations finds broad support, yet there is uncertainty about how to achieve this. How can the goals of sustainable development be identified, and what might such a path look like for Germany? What conditions must the state, economy, and society meet to set the course? To address these complex questions, the Enquete Commission on "Protection of Humans and the Environment" commissioned scientists and research institutes.