In his book 'Time of Catastrophes', sociologist Sighard Neckel critiques the current state of green capitalism, highlighting its failure to address the pressing climate crisis effectively. He emphasizes that while ecological consumption is often marketed as a lifestyle choice, it is primarily perpetuated by the wealthiest individuals, who continue to contribute significantly to climate change. Neckel calls for a radical economic transformation, proposing that merely promoting sustainable consumption among the masses will not bring about meaningful change without systemic improvements.

Neckel notes that the increasing reliance on fossil fuels, encouraged by the current American administration, coupled with a shift in global priorities from climate action to military spending due to the conflict in Ukraine, further complicates efforts to tackle climate issues. This situation creates a paradox where collective action is woefully insufficient, prompting Neckel to suggest that only catastrophe pedagogy might offer a path forward. This approach, which emphasizes teaching the harsh realities of our ecological crises, might be the only way to catalyze necessary changes in public consciousness and policy.

The implications of Neckel's arguments underscore a significant disconnect between current consumption practices and effective climate action. His critique invites a re-evaluation of both individual and institutional roles in the climate crisis, suggesting that without a thorough reassessment of economic priorities and the societal structures that underpin them, efforts to combat climate change will continue to falter. The book positions itself as part of a broader literary canon addressing the complexities of climate transformation, aiming to provoke serious discussions about how humanity can adapt to and mitigate the escalating ecological disasters.