Introduction

We live in truly unprecedented times. Looking at various graphics, be it population growth, greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity, frequency of heat waves and floods, or even the net worth of the richest individuals, one may begin to think we have entered a new era that overlaps with the Anthropocene: the “Exponocene”, defined by the seemingly exponential increase in the frequency of processes and conditions harmful to most members of society. The onslaught of climate-related horror-news is complemented by various wars and extremism of every shade worldwide.