Politicians like to refer to the climate targets of 1995, according to which the global average temperature may not rise by more than 2 degrees, or even better, 1.5 degrees compared to pre-industrial times. Jens Beckert, director of the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, makes it clear in his book that this target is just wishful thinking and cannot be achieved. The reason is our capitalist system, which is based on growth and only knows the accumulation of money as a driving force. Ecological aspects are ignored. Beckert’s book impresses with its crystal-clear argumentation, which proves what is obvious: climate policy has failed so far. This is also shown by a look at the increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, which has even accelerated in recent years.
Some economists believe that only capitalism can save the world from climate collapse because it is the only one that develops enough power and ideas. Beckert also puts an end to this hope, because even if the climate could be tamed, capitalism’s need for growth would exacerbate other problems, such as species extinction or the pollution of rivers and seas. Despite his pessimistic argument, Beckert warns against resignation in the last chapter. He argues that people should, above all, protect themselves better from the consequences of climate change and not let up in the fight for climate protection. Klaus Jacob
Jens Beckert
Sold future
Suhrkamp, ​​240 pp., € 28,–
ISBN 978-3-518-58809-3