This perspective explores the understanding of environmental changes, as well as responses to degradation, from an Earth-systems perspective, in addition to an investigation of the interrelationships and linkages between social/economic systems and natural/ecological systems within Earth systems. Further, it aims to elucidate how the anthropogenic degradation of the natural environment and ecosystems occurs in Earth systems, which comprise intertwined elements and processes, and to explain how this degradation affects human society. Various points are elucidated, such as how Earth systems cascade to tipping points with potentially irreversible consequences, and how far-reaching interactions relate to changes in socioeconomic and ecological systems across the world. An investigation is conducted into the responses that can prevent the further degradation of global environments and restore already degraded global environments.

This perspective explores the “ways of life” in the Anthropocene through understanding environmental issues in terms of their connections to culture and value systems. In the current “Anthropocene,” as global environmental problems are rapidly increasing in size and scope, we promote interdisciplinary research involving the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to help solve these urgent issues. We ask how we can create spaces within the limits of the earth and society where humanity can operate justly and safely, and what are the ways people can best live in the Anthropocene. Through these studies, the relationships between humans and nature are explored in an explicit and normative manner, as well as the significance and importance of culture and value systems.

This perspective presents mechanisms for developing ideas and measures to solve global environmental problems, in collaboration with diverse actors in society, in addition to the means to realize such solutions. To transition and transform socio-economic systems into sustainable systems, it will be important to reorganize the roles of key institutions and parties on a large scale. Here, we ascertain how various actors in society (researchers, citizens, non-profit organizations (NPOs), governments, international organizations, etc.) can act to bring about partial renewal and a fundamental change in the system, without being bound by stereotypes and vested interests. We will explore methods of transition/transformation to a sustainable society through case analyses of historical and contemporary transition/transformation processes, social experiments based on practical research, and in other practical and scholarly ways.