And the terror itself is an example of the world’s uncontrollability.

The theory of metamorphosis goes beyond theory of world risk society: it is not about the negative side effects of goods but about the positive side effects of bads.

I held a conference in Harvard where Americans said they didn’t believe in risk. They thought it was just European hysteria. Then the terrorist attacks happened and there was a complete conversion. Suddenly terrorism was the central risk.

But where danger lurks, the saving powers also grow.

Climate risk teaches us that the nation is not the centre of the world.

And it also became clear that these conditions of inequality and historical injustice have given rise to a feeling of hate in the world – a deeply felt hate that cannot easily be overcome with a few good words.

Electronic communication makes possible what has previously been excluded: namely, active, simultaneous and reciprocal contact between individuals across all frontiers constituted by countries, religions and continents.

In their daily lives, people can see they are affected by questions that do not only relate to one location, but affect civilization as a whole.

Strong ties with a particular place, the fact that something flourishes there and has a special smell or taste - all this is being lost.

For example, European countries have still not yet really opened up their borders to products from these countries, something that is fundamental.