The Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP), in coope­ra­ti­on with Springer’s International Handbook of Lifelong Learning, launched a new series of webinars to present cutting-edge research on lifelong learning to an inte­re­sted audience. In a compact format, indi­vi­du­al research findings and critical reflec­tions on burning issues, such as the ecology of lifelong-lifewide learning for sus­tainable gene­ra­ti­ve futures or learning for climate justice will be presented and discussed in the focus of social/political and the economic.

We are living at a time when the future for humanity, and many other living things, looks uncertain and bleak. We need to change in so many ways if our planet and the life it sustains is to continue as we know it. As Barnet points out, ‘if learning [has] a purpose then surely it must be to learn how to live on this tiny planet.’ This has always been the case but there is an urgency like never before as we recognise the depth and scale of change needed to create a future that is more sus­tainable than the one we are currently heading for. If this is the ver­ar­ching impe­ra­ti­ve for humanity’s lifelong learning and future survival, what concepts of lifelong learning do we need to enable us to learn to live in ways that will help sustain the planet and its life sup­port­ing systems?

Policies play a critical role in turning the vision of lifelong learning into a reality for everyone. However, even the most well-crafted policies have their limi­ta­ti­ons. An overly opti­mi­stic view of what lifelong learning policies can achieve neces­si­ta­tes a careful, critical exami­na­ti­on. Are the intended goals being met? Are potential negative effects being mitigated? Who truly benefits from these policies, and who might be dis­ad­van­ta­ged by them?