2020

Our geological epoch, the Anthropocene, in which mankind is shaping the fate of the planet, is characterized by existential threats. Some are addressed in action plans such as the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. But we seem to be caught between knowing that we should change our behavior and our entrenched habits.

Jürgen Brügger and Jörg Haaßengier's documentary examines disaster management and the experts who handle crises. The film provides insights into their strategies and challenges.

Dirk Helbing discusses with Stefan Wagner the environmental and social impacts of informal paths, also known as "desire paths." The article discusses how these paths reflect human behavior and interaction with nature.

Big data, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies have left us surprisingly ill-equipped for the challenges now facing us, such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Building resilience and flexibility – the hallmarks of sustainable systems – into policymaking and international cooperation is a more promising approach.