The quandaries of transformation. On the socio-ecological dilemma of simultaneity

This paper provides a specific sociological explanation of the failing in effective climate protection, analysing the unique societal constellations in which a socio-ecological transformation is embedded. Starting with the urgent calls by the IPCC for rapid and far-reaching transitions across all sectors and systems of society in the current decade, the paper explains why such disruptive change is rather unlikely. Since a fundamental ecological turnaround has to change economics, politics, cultural lifestyles and technical infrastructure at the very same time, socio-ecological transformation is confronted with the dilemma of simultaneity. This precarious figuration of an ecological change gives rise to certain quandaries of transformation as capitalism, climate protection, sustainable life conducts and democracy cannot be smoothly reconciled and coordinated. Therefore, realistic transformation strategies should tackle this dilemma from the outset and strive to avoid getting completely entangled in its quandaries. As outlined in the final section of the paper, sustainable infrastructure and strengthening the common good could be viable ways to navigate the dilemmas of socio-ecological change more effectively.