The session deals with scientific concepts and empirical studies in the natural and social sciences that address the societal pressures on the Earth system and/or the effects of Earth system changes on societies in the context of the Anthropocene. It involves descriptive and explanatory approaches for a better understanding of key interlinkages, feedbacks and natural and social tipping points as well as normative or ethical views of habitability such as planetary boundaries and social justice. Hereby, it focuses on the complexity, dynamics and uncertainties of the underlying Earth system processes and social, economic and political dynamics across spatial and temporal scales as well as preventive interventions for systemic sustainability transformations. The aim is to explore the potential of deeper integration of the different research strands with their ontological and epistemological knowledge for the advancement of Anthropocene research. The topics range from the analysis of stratigraphic archives of anthropogenic pressures and climate change impacts on human health and food security to secondary effects such as poverty, inequality and migration. Reflection of transformative capacities encompasses governance arrangements and policies with a particular emphasis on the communicative science-policy/society interface. Selected guiding questions are: What additional knowledge and methods are needed to more appropriately describe key interlinkages between Earth system and societies shaping the Anthropocene? What natural and social sciences evidence is needed as reference to further negotiate and agree on the future habitability of the planet for human societies and wild species? What science communication and education can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and strengthen societal capacities for sustainability transformations without destroying the hope for a liveable future? Approaches from all related disciplines and studies from around the world will be considered.