Abstract

In the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and their assessment, as well as the long-standing discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it has become clear that a clear and effective change in the direction of previous unsustainable development has not yet taken place. In view of the climate catastrophe, socio-economic polarisation and other destructive trends, the key players are called upon to take innovative, future-oriented action. It is important to abandon previous paths of misguided development and change course. Fortunately, numerous approaches to this are already emerging, including in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Over the past decade and a half, a wide variety of sustainability activities at all federal levels in Germany have contributed to the widespread dissemination of the guiding principle of sustainable development and corresponding behaviours and policies. However, the dominant social and political trends are still mostly opposed to this. Despite numerous positive approaches, sustainability has still not reached the mainstream and there is an urgent need for strong impetus and additional support as well as a more effective approach by institutions and research in this area.

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