The world is changing, and this is currently happening in many different areas, often in dramatic ways and at various levels. Global phenomena and processes contribute significantly to this, such as globalization, climate change, the increase in natural risks, the depletion of natural resources, the loss of biodiversity, as well as the extent of population growth and global poverty. Additionally, a growing restriction of political rights and civil liberties, the threat of terrorism and wars, as well as risks and crises in financial systems increasingly pose significant economic, ecological, social, and political challenges to life and societies on our planet. A sustainable development on our shared Earth can only be achieved through sustainable development, which requires targeted expertise.