Transformative learning, teaching, and action in the most challenging times

theories and empirical studies on transformative approaches in sustainability education in a broad 35 higher-education context. Especially, we wanted to promote research that explored alternative, 36 innovative and critical ideas about how sustainability could become more than pretty words and 37 unreachable aims in policy documents and strategies, but really make a difference at both personal 38 and societal levels. Evaluation of impact was key to our expectations and hopes. 39 We had such a diversity of submissions that it would not be possible to confirm that everyone 40 thought as we did about transformative education. Nevertheless, the diversity of articles accepted 41 does illustrate the significance of current uncertainty and the potential of transformation for 42 educational practice. future generations inherit from previous generations. However, the challenge is complex, and the 93 articles in this special topic on transformative education confirm its need in many dimensions of 94 education, including teaching, learning, policy, governance and financing. Progress towards more 95 sustainable societies implies a profound change in lifestyles as well as the socioeconomic models that 96 drive them. Higher education will surely be involved, but whether our special topic includes the 97 answers remains to be seen. 98