For decades we have known about the dangers of global warming. Nevertheless greenhouse gas
emissions continue to increase. How can we explain our failure to take the necessary measures
to stop climate change? Why are societies despite the mounting threat to ourselves and our
children so reluctant to take action? In this important new book Jens Beckert provides an
answer to these questions. Our apparent inability to implement basic measures to combat climate
change is due to the nature of power and incentive structures affecting companies politicians
voters and consumers. Drawing on social science research he argues that climate change is an
inevitable product of the structures of capitalist modernity which have been developing for the
past 500 years. Our institutional and cultural arrangements are operating at the cost of
destroying the natural environment and attempts to address global warming are almost inevitably
bound to fail. Temperatures will continue to rise and social and political conflicts will
intensify. The tragic truth is: we are selling our future for the next quarterly figures the
upcoming election results and today's pleasure. Any realistic climate policy needs to focus on
preparing societies for the consequences of escalating climate change and aim at strengthening
social resilience to cope with the increasingly unstable natural world. Civil society is the
only source of pressure that could build the necessary strength and support for climate
protection. How We Sold Our Future is a crucial intervention into the most pressing issue of
our time.
