Feb 26 • 12:45 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

Neckel's 'Time of Catastrophes': Green Capitalism has Failed

In 'Time of Catastrophes', sociologist Sighard Neckel argues that green capitalism has failed and calls for a radical economic overhaul to combat climate change fueled by the ultra-wealthy.

In his book 'Time of Catastrophes', Sighard Neckel critiques the notion of ecological consumption as a mere lifestyle trend while highlighting that the ultra-wealthy are exacerbating climate change. He emphasizes the need for a fundamental restructuring of the economy to address the growing climate crisis. The book notes that the genre of literature focusing on the failures of climate transformation has been on the rise, often underscoring the disconnect between environmental protections, economic goals, and consumer habits that cannot be resolved politically within the limited timeframe available to combat climate change.

Neckel points out that the resurgence of fossil fuels under the current American administration and the shift in priorities towards military strengthening in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine has intensified the urgency of the problem. He argues that collective action has faltered, and thus, a pedagogical approach centered around disaster preparedness may be the only way forward. His suggestions are rooted in the belief that unless the socio-economic systems that enable environmental degradation are radically altered, meaningful change cannot be achieved.

Overall, the perspective presented in 'Time of Catastrophes' highlights the systemic challenges posed by capitalism and its impact on climate change. It aims to provoke thought on how societal structures must change if we are to meet the looming threats of ecological disaster head-on, advocating for a more integrated approach that emphasizes social factors in the fight against climate change.

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