In our era of transformation, the extensive and profound interaction of humankind with nature is of major concern. Hence the predominant need for an integrated but inevitably provisional world view based on interdisciplinary synthesis and respect for plurality. Contributors from all over the world focus on four modes of change: (i) social change and the individual condition, (ii) complex evolution and fundamental emergent transformations, (iii) ecological transformation and responsibility inquiries and (iv) the economic-ecological and socio-technical equilibria. A suggestion for a broad thinking public.