Humanity will have to cope with many problems in the coming decades

For instance, the world population is likely to grow to 8.8 billion people by 2035. Also, changing climate conditions are negatively affecting the livelihoods of millions of people. In particular, environmental disasters are causing substantial damages to properties. From a social perspective, the inequalities between rich and poor nations are becoming even deeper, and in many countries, conflicts between national and international interest groups are intensifying.

The above state of affairs suggest that a broader understanding of the trends which may lead to a more sustainable world is needed

Especially those which may pave the way for future developments. In other words, we need to pave the way for sustainable futures.

Consistent with this reality, the proposed Encyclopedia of Sustainability Futures

aims to identify, document and disseminate ideas, experiences and visions from scientists, members of nongovernmental organisations, decision-makers, industry representatives and citizens, on themes and issues which will be important in pursuing sustainable future scenarios. In particular, the publication will focus on scientific aspects, as well as on social and economic ones, also considering matters related to financing and infrastructures, which are important in pursuing a sustainable future.

The Encyclopedia of Sustainability Futures will involve the contributing authors in line with the

principle of co-generation, from across a wide range of disciplines, e.g., education and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, the arts, languages, etc., with papers adopting a long-term sustainability perspective, with a time horizon until 2050. The focus will be on themes which are felt as important in the future, and the chapters are expected to interest and motivate a world audience.

This book is part of the "100 papers to accelerate the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals initiative"