Hans Carl von Carlowitz (1645 - 1714) is considered the founder of the principle of a sustainable economy. Wood was the most important raw material in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and was indispensable for many pre-industrial processes (as a fuel and building material, for cooking and for shipbuilding). In addition, wood was needed in mining for the expansion of the pits, as fuel for the extraction of ore and for the operation of the smelting furnaces with charcoal. As the forests had already been overexploited for centuries, this overexploitation led to desertification in large parts of Europe. Carlowitz, who had dealt intensively with this problem, demanded in 1713 in his work "Sylvicultura oeconomica" that only as much wood should be felled as could grow back through planned reforestation, sowing and planting. This basic idea first became established in forestry before being transferred and extended to other areas. The aim of the module is to embed this central point in events and findings relevant to contemporary history, spanning a period of two thousand years up to the present day. To this end, pupils are familiarised with various personalities and institutions in the history of sustainability and their ideas.